Malaysian authorities urged to curb new wave of ‘upgraded’ beggars

Costumed beggars are becoming more visible at petrol stations and night markets in Johor Bahru. Read more at straitstimes.com.

KUALA LUMPUR – They are dressed up in costumes of cartoon characters like Super Mario, Luigi and Doraemon, as well as animals and dinosaurs.

But these mascots, who are now a regular sight at public ­spaces, are not there to entertain. They are asking for donations.

Or, to be put it blunty - they are begging.

At a bazaar in Kuala Lumpur, the crowd shuffles along in the stifling late afternoon heat, flanked by rows of stalls selling food and drinks.

Among the hordes of people, barely tall enough to be seen from afar, is a bright green frog mascot holding a small black box.

The mascot stands still as ­people walk by. Occasionally, the mascot waves at small children, prompting their parents to stop and take a group selfie.