Rather than giving money to beggars spotted around Malta claiming to be disabled, the public should encourage these people to call the National Commission for Persons with a Disability for information about services they required.

In a statement, the commission said it was brought to its attention that such people, including people who said they were hearing impaired, were seen begging at several localities in Malta and Gozo.

The commission, as well as the Għaqda Persuni Neqsin mis-Smigħ, said that people with a disability did not acquire a dignified life by begging for money, but by having access to a wide range of services that placed them in a condition to live in a dignified way.

These people, it said, should be encouraged to call freephone 153 or to send an SMS to 79788555 for information about the services they needed.