THE parents of a high-ranking government officer have been arrested for begging in Kangar, reported Nanyang Siang Pau.

They were among nine beggars rounded up by Perlis Social Welfare Department in an operation at a night market on Wednesday.

The couple, who are blind, said they were forced to beg as they had no one to take care of them.

Perlis Social Welfare Depart-ment deputy director Mastura Abd Rahim said the beggars, including two foreign men, were aged 60 and above. Most were disabled.

Mastura said the local beggars were receiving welfare aid from the department.

She said children should not abandon their old and handicapped parents, and leave them to beg for food.