LAHAD DATU: Young Pala'u children begging at traffic lights and members of the community openly sniffing glue by the roadside have highlighted the need for a coordinated approach to address their social vulnerabilities.

A Metro Ahad survey found children, some believed to be as young as three, approaching motorists with plastic containers to beg for money, exposing themselves to the risk of being hit by vehicles.

Nearby, several women believed to be from the Pala'u community were seen resting by the roadside, with some holding plastic bags believed to contain glue. Children were also seen roaming without apparent adult supervision.

Residents said the number of Pala'u people begging in town had declined following repeated enforcement operations.