Locals furious as western 'beg-packers' hit Asian streets to fund travel
Dubbed ‘beg-packers’, most people are shocked when they see western backpackers begging on the streets of South-East Asia for money.
Pictures have emerged online of young, penniless travellers sitting on the sides of roads attempting to finance their travels anyway they can.
Seen in places such as Malaysia, Hong Kong, Thailand and Singapore, backpackers try selling items such as postcards while some busk as a means for getting fast cash.
Not only do people experience shock when they come across western backpackers on their streets but most Asian locals also feel rage.
One woman on Twitter, who lives in Singapore, is just one person to speak out on the backpackers, posting photos of them to her account.
“It was the first time I’ve seen something like that and it stopped me in my tracks,” the woman told France 24 Observers.
“First of all, you don’t see many people selling knick-knacks or playing music in the street in Singapore because there are strict rulers governing these activities.
"And, if you do happen to see street vendors or street performers, they are usually in the town centre and not near a bus stop in a relatively middle class neighbourhood like this. I've also never seen white people doing that."
"We find it extremely strange to ask other people for money to help you travel. Selling things in the street or begging isn't considered respectable.
"People who do so are really in need: they beg in order to buy food, pay their children's school fees or pay off debts but not in order to do something seen as a luxury.'
Outraged, locals believe there is an unfairness between them and tourists.
Louisa, a Malaysian woman, told France 24 that tourists often feel they can behave however they want while travelling in an "exotic" place.
"I want to ask these tourists: what makes you think that this kind of behaviour is normal in Asia? Why don't you do the same thing at home?"
It’s not just in the streets where backpackers ask for money – they also use crowdfunding sites such as Pozible, Indiegogo and Kickstarter.
In February, American woman Becca Gronski attracted criticism after she launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise $US10,000 (A$13,000) to fund her trip around the world.
