MELAKA: Authorities are looking into a case involving a man dressed as “Spider-Man” who allegedly brought a seven-year-old girl from Terengganu to seek money from tourists in the historic city.
Melaka women, family and community development committee chairman Datuk Kalsom Noordin said the 50-year-old security guard claimed the child was his niece when he was stopped by Welfare Department officers at a petrol kiosk in Cheng around 6pm on Sunday (Feb 9).
“The girl was also dressed in a Spider-Man costume, and we are currently verifying the man’s explanation,” she said when contacted on Monday (Feb 9).
Kalsom stressed that the child’s welfare remains the main priority, especially as she had travelled a long distance with the suspect. She added that she personally went to the scene after receiving a complaint alleging the child was being exploited for begging.
She pointed out that such conduct is an offence under Section 32 of the Child Act 2001 (Act 611), which prohibits the exploitation of children, including using them for begging, dangerous labour or commercial purposes.
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“The man told me he managed to collect a substantial amount of money here,” she said.
Kalsom also said authorities will examine the increasing number of individuals wearing cartoon and superhero costumes who solicit money from visitors at key tourist spots around the city.
“These mascots, portraying various superheroes and popular cartoon characters, are often seen greeting crowds along busy streets in the city centre,” she said.
“Some were also spotted dancing to encourage people to take photos with them in exchange for payment,” she added.
She further noted that such activities could breach the House to House and Street Collections Act 1947, which requires those collecting donations in public areas or business premises to obtain a police permit.
“We need to identify who is behind these mascots and whether children are being exploited by syndicates to raise money,” she said.
-Thestar
