Chairman of the branch, Nurul Huda, said recently that the edict, which was officially made effective at the end of last month, was issued because there had been an increasing number of such activities occurring in Madura and across East Java.

"They usually set up loudspeakers on the street and use big containers so that passersby will slow down their vehicles," Nurul said.

He added that many people had complained about the practice, especially as some donation collectors had not hesitated to damage cars if people refused to donate money to their cause.

Nurul said the practice was considered haram (not permitted in Islamic teaching) because it disturbed the public.

"According to a hadith (Prophet Muhammad's sayings and deeds) and some studies in the yellow book, asking for donations in improper places and disturbing the public is not permitted," he said.

He added that it was permitted to collect donation on roadsides, but it had to be conducted without disturbing the public.

In a related development, following the MUI's ban on Muslims begging and asking for donations on the streets, the provincial administration has pledged to allocate Rp 2.5 billion for a special program aimed at reducing the number of disadvantaged people in the province.

Head of the provincial people's welfare bureau, Siswanto, said the administration would invite the private sector and NGOs to help monitor and supervise the program.

The administration, he added, would also provide Rp 2.5 to Rp 3.5 million to each program recipient so they could purchase a street stall and start their own businesses.

"That way they will no longer need to beg to earn a living," said Siswanto, adding that his office was preparing an inventory of the people they intended to run the program for.

He said the administration planned to start the program after the Idul Fitri celebration or by October at the latest.

The first group will include more than 2,000 beggars and homeless people from Surabaya, Malang, Sidoarjo, Gresik, Mojokerto and Bangkalan Madura.

The number of beggars and homeless people in the province has reached more than 8,000, and is spread across 38 regencies and municipalities.

"We will analyze the results. If it is successful, it will be extended to other regions," he said, adding the program would also involve local regency and municipal administrations and NGOs.

Apart from the capital, Siswanto said, the provincial administration would also provide a location for the beggars and homeless people to conduct their businesses.

East Java Governor Soekarwo previously said he had invited flour producer PT Bogasari to deal with the beggars in the province and would give priority to Surabaya and Malang, which have a high number of disadvantaged people in the area.

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