The authorities need to act immediately to stop unscrupulous syndicates from torturing and mutilating their victims to garner sympathy and solicit donations from the public.

NONE Women, Family and Community Development Minister Shahrizat Abdul Jalil said concerted efforts by the relevant authorities were crucial to bring the syndicates to book and save the innocent victims.

She said the police, Immigration and Social Welfare departments needed to act fast while Malaysians could discourage begging simply by not giving.

"They need to bear in mind that the beggars do not receive what is given to them. Instead, the syndicates take away the 'earnings' and will continue to maim other innocent victims for their own selfish end," she said in a statement today.

Shahrizat was responding to a front-page article in the Sunday Star yesterday on horribly disfigured beggars found at night markets in Malacca that shocked residents who called for the authorities to step in.

Meanwhile, Shahrizat congratulated the police for rescuing five babies, aged between two weeks and nine months, and on the verge of being sold to willing buyers in two operations on Dec 4 and 11.

"I hope the Attorney-General's Chambers will expedite action against the baby-selling syndicates to curb their immoral activity.

"Information and cooperation from the public is important to stop this activity," she said.

According to Section 48(2) of the Child Act 2001, any person who is found guilty of selling babies is liable to a fine of up to RM10,000 or jail term of up to five years, or both.

- Bernama