Police will arrest bogus monks who have been duping the public with their "alms rounds" in Penang, a report said today.

"We have identified numerous monks clad in saffron robes begging for alms in restaurants, markets and temples. The unsuspecting public gladly part with their money in return for the monks' blessings or merits," police superintendent Hasnan Hassan was quoted as saying by The Star .

"Our investigations found that real monks are not supposed to accept cash. They are o­nly allowed to accept food," he said.

Hasnan said police would round up the "monks" for illegally soliciting donations and urged the public to contact the police.

Offer o­nly food

Bogus monk were likely to ask for money rather than food, according to Chong Hung Wang, president of the Young Buddhists Association of Malaysia.

"A real monk begging for alms will o­nly carry a bowl while the bogus o­nes will have a Buddha statue or a talisman inside his bowl which is forbidden under Buddhist teachings."

"Never give money if you are approached by a monk. Always offer them food," he said. AFP