SINGAPORE: A routine day turned into a dramatic scene outside the Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple in Bugis when a concerned Singaporean alerted the police about a foreign man allegedly engaged in selling tissues and begging for money. The incident unfolded on Tuesday, December 31, and has ignited conversations around foreign begging and local livelihood.

The man in question, described as physically disabled with a noticeable facial tumor and using crutches, was spotted by 79-year-old Mr. Deng, who was troubled by the sight of people giving money to him without purchasing the tissue paper. Mr. Deng suspected that the man might be an illegal foreigner, a concern that he expressed to the authorities during his report.

Mr. Deng stated, “If he’s a local, then let him earn his keep. But if he’s a foreigner unlawfully begging for money, action must be taken to deter others.” His concerns reflect a growing sentiment expressed by many locals, who fear that illegal vending and begging by foreigners may undermine local sellers.

When authorities arrived, they questioned the man, who presented a Chinese passport. After some inquiries, he was taken into custody. Within just ten minutes of observation, the man reportedly made over S$50, drawing contributions from onlookers without any exchange of tissue packets.

The police later confirmed that the 42-year-old man was arrested under the Immigration Act for being a prohibited immigrant, and the investigation is ongoing. The Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) reiterated that begging is illegal in Singapore under the Destitute Persons Act, with no licenses issued for such activities.

In contrast, selling tissue packets is permissible only if an individual holds the necessary license as part of Singapore's Street Hawking Scheme regulated by the Singapore Food Agency. Notably, this incident is not isolated; residents have raised concerns in recent months regarding the increase of foreign beggars spotted throughout the city, particularly at hawker centers.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the complexities surrounding immigration, local businesses, and the age-old struggles of beggars in urban environments. As Singapore grapples with these issues, what will the authorities do next to tackle the rising concerns? Stay tuned as we follow the ongoing investigation surrounding this controversial case!