He was spotted begging outside Paya Lebar and Bedok MRT stations. He refused to give his name but said he was 50 years old.

When asked why he came to Singapore, he replied: 'China is too big, no one cares about the handicapped; but here, Singaporeans have the heart to give.'

He said that he makes 'tens of dollars a day'.

He denied knowing the other amputee beggars staying at the same Geylang Lorong 15 hotel that he lodges in. He said that he came to Singapore alone on a tourist pass about two weeks ago.

'I came on a holiday but decided to make some money by begging.''

He said that he had to borrow 'a few thousand dollars' from friends and family for his trip here and that he would be heading home after the Chinese New Year.

One able-bodied man who accompanies his handicapped friend on his begging rounds said they came to Singapore to look for ''money-making opportunities'.

The 50-year-old, who gave his name as Mr Lee, said he was from Henan and had heard there that Singaporeans were generous givers.

He said his 'friend' does not make more than $50 a day and does not beg for more than four hours a day - two in the morning and two in the afternoon.

'Singaporeans are kind- hearted and willing to give but we're scared of the police,' he said. 'So we don't stay out too long.'

He denied taking a cut of his 'friend's' takings. He added that he's been in Singapore for four days.

When asked about the other handicapped beggars staying at the same hotel, he insisted that he did not know them: 'I just know they're all here to see if they can make some quick money.'

But when he returned to the hotel later and saw a Sunday Times reporter in the lobby, he was seen making a phone call. A few minutes later, another 'minder'' staying at the same hotel came out and they went off together.