Kota Kinabalu: Api-Api Assemblyman Loi Kok Liang welcomed the joint crackdown by City Hall (DBKK) and relevant agencies on beggars and street children in the city centre — but said enforcement alone will fail unless backed by strict, end-to-end rehabilitation.
In a statement, Loi stressed the long-running issue poses severe risks to public safety, children’s welfare, and Sabah’s tourism reputation.
He recalled officially raising the matter in the Sabah Legislative Assembly on December last year, highlighting alarming scenes of young children, some carrying infants, weaving through heavy traffic at major intersections to beg.
“These children are exposed to life-threatening danger every day. At the same time, this hurts our city’s image and drives tourists away,” he said adding tourism isn’t just about bringing visitors here — it’s about making sure they feel safe, comfortable and protected while they are in Sabah.
While commending the recent operation covering areas like Jalan Durian, Loi emphasised it must be consistent and comprehensive, not just a one-off exercise.
He warned against a mere “catch today, release tomorrow” cycle that solves nothing.
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“Rescued individuals and children must receive everything promised like proper shelter, counselling, education, and full follow-up for the required three-month rehabilitation period,” he insisted.
“Without genuine commitment to rehabilitation, the problem will keep coming back, and all efforts will be wasted.”
Loi also pointed out that street begging is only one part of a bigger list of unresolved issues plaguing the city centre: dim street lighting, choked sewers and manholes, limited CCTV coverage, and lingering safety fears following past air-gun attacks on tourists.
He pledged to keep monitoring the situation and raise these matters continuously to authorities — urging concrete action to protect public well-being, safeguard Kota Kinabalu’s reputation, and secure the future of the state’s tourism industry.
