KOTA KINABALU: The state government must explain the continued presence of stateless children begging along main roads in the state capital, despite an allocation of RM250,000 meant to address the issue. “What is the status of the RM250,000 allocation approved in 2022 to address the issue of Palauh children or stateless minors who continue to beg around Kota Kinabalu City? “These children are still seen at traffic lights near Wawasan Plaza, Wisma Merdeka, and the Post Office, begging from motorists. This reflects a poor image of Kota Kinabalu that sees so many foreign tourists,” he said in a statement Sunday (Dec 28). However, after the initial pilot project, the state has yet to announce any fresh initiatives, though James had indicated that more guidelines were needed from state and federal governments in handling stateless children.

Source: The Star December 28, 2025 23:59 UTC