A photo of two “begpackers” in Bintulu, Sarawak has gone viral, with many Malaysians criticizing the tourists for their actions.
The photo, which was shared on the Facebook page Bintulu INFO, shows the two individuals standing on an undisclosed road in the city.
Photo via Facebook (Bintulu INFO)
One of them is holding a sign that reads, "Hi. We are Russians travelling around the world without money. Please support our travels. Thanks,” while the other individual is holding a cap, potentially for collecting donations from motorists.
The post has since been shared over 500 times and has received over 1,400 reactions. Many commenters have criticized the “begpackers,” calling them "nuisances," and "lazy." Some have also pointed out that there are many more worthy causes to donate to, such as orphanages or food banks.
The term "begpacker" is a portmanteau of the words "beg" and "backpacker." It is used to describe tourists who travel to developing countries without any money and then beg for donations from locals to fund their travels.
The “begpacker” phenomenon has been on the rise in recent years, with many tourists from Western countries choosing to travel this way. This practice has been met with mixed reactions, with some people seeing it as a form of exploitation and others as a harmless way to fund one's travels.
In the case of the “begpackers” in Bintulu, it is clear that their actions have sparked outrage among Malaysians. It remains to be seen whether they will continue to beg for money in the city, or if they will be forced to find a different way to fund their travels.
In addition to the outrage that “begpacking” has caused, there are also concerns about the impact that it can have on local communities. “Begpackers” can drive up prices for goods and services, and they can also create a sense of resentment among locals who are struggling to make ends meet.
Ultimately, the “begpacker” phenomenon is a complex one with no easy answers. There are many different perspectives on the issue, and it is important to consider all of them before forming an opinion
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Posted by Bintulu INFO on Sunday, 9 July 2023
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