The people of Southeast Asia are renowned for their kindness and hospitality. But whether this is true or not doesn’t concern begpackers who seem to think they can travel the continent by leaching off our supposed goodwill.
Recently, a foreign couple went viral for singing 1961 classic “Twist & Shout” on the MRT in Singapore, except not for the right reasons.
Just a normal day travelling on train and met these amazing tourist on board that brought smiles to alot faces ? thankyou for starting my day right ? pic.twitter.com/mIVAsnQxlo
— Caroℓ ❁ (@heliumdaisies) May 28, 2019
While Carol, the person who posted the video on Twitter, enjoyed the performance, netizens weren’t as supportive. They were agitated by the presence of begpackers on the MRT, which prompted them to share their opinions.
One of the respondents also shared that he has seen the couple before in Kuala Lumpur. So imagine how much money they accumulated if they managed to move on from Malaysia to Singapore?
Local or not, busking in Singapore without a permit carries a fine of S$10,000. This is another reason why people are so mad. Foreigners often come to Asian countries ignorant to local laws and customs and expect us to accommodate them.
The begpacking phenomenon is becoming increasingly common. I do believe that rather than funding the tourists’ trip across Asia, our money is better served donated to locals who need help.
But what do you think? Would you, like me, report them to the local authorities? Or would you give them some money for an enjoyable performance? Let us know.
Also read: ‘Begpackers’ on Jonker Street Threaten M’sian Man Who Questioned Them
