2 'foreign' women seen asking the elderly in Chinatown for money

Two supposedly foreign women were seen approaching people in Chinatown for money, according to one Facebook user.

The women, who appeared to be tourists from China, seemed to target elderly individuals, a Facebook user shared in a Jul. 4 post.

When the user tried to take a photo of them, they allegedly took money from an elderly man and left the scene.

A nearby street sign indicated that this took place along South Bridge Road.

A stallholder from Hong Lim Complex, who gave his name as Cai, told Shin Min Daily News that "foreigners" have allegedly been begging for money in the vicinity for years.

They claim that they need cash urgently for travel or for work, he said.

"If they come back, it'll affect the atmosphere here," the 54-year-old added.

Under the Destitute Persons Act, habitual beggars may be fined up to S$3,000 or jailed up to two years.

Hawking goods

People were also seen hawking goods to diners at the nearby People's Park Food Centre, Shin Min reported.

Two men — one in blue, and one in black — were observed selling key chains and small items at the tables for S$10 each.

One diner said the man in blue, who she believed to be mute, insisted on selling his wares to her even after she turned them down.

He also came to the table a second time later, which "made [her] uncomfortable".

The man in black, who gave his name as Marco, explained that he broke his arm when he was young and suffers from epilepsy.

His disabilities make it difficult for him to earn a living, he said.

"If people refuse to buy, I won't try to sell to them a second time," he said. 

He claimed that he has a license, but did not have it with him.

Top image from Junior Breaker/Facebook