The police have not stumbled on any begging syndicate, be they foreign or local, the Dewan Rakyat was told on Monday.

The Home Ministry said most of the beggars nabbed were found to have done it on their own accord or were forced by family members to support their daily life.

Children found begging in public will be rescued, pursuant to paragraph 17 (1) (k) of the Child Act 2001 and the parents or guardians must put up a bond under paragraph 30 (1) (a) of the same Act.

"This is to ensure that they discharge their responsibilities for the children," the ministry said in reply to a question from Er Teck Hwa (DAP-Bakri).