Two underage teens made more than RM10,000 by just singing in the streets. Given their age, they should be in school, recognising their skills and talents. Despite the money, they were recently rescued by authorities from the Department of Social Welfare (JKM) in Banda Hilir, Melaka.
Both of them are only 13 and 15.
With that 5-figure ‘monthly wages’, the kids earn an estimated RM300 – RM600 per day, where the amount tends to go higher on weekends. Based on the information that the officers could gather, the kids are mostly likely being exploited by their mother, who is in her 40s. She has also been receiving monthly aid from JKM for the past 4 years.
The kids would sing a variety of songs in the street. Work started around 8:30 pm for them and ended around 3 in the morning. They are far from 18 years old, but life forces them to be out on the street to fight for survival without the presence of their guardian.
“Underaged children should not be left on the streets late at night,” the officer said.
The officer added that the mother, who reportedly has health issues, would bring the boys to a spot to sing and watch them from a distance, reported Sinar Harian.
As for the unfortunate siblings, they will be brought to the Department of Social Welfare office, where they will be assessed on their suitability for placement in a welfare center or under supervision according to the Child Act 2001.
6 other individuals were also rescued in the operation, including a minor who was believed to have been exploited by using mascots and carrying funds to earn income. 5 homeless people in their 40s were found begging and asking for alms in crowded areas.
Life is not easy, and every one of us goes through different trials and tribulations. Some people go home to homemade food, while others might have to fight a little more for a spoonful of rice.
