THE ongoing problem of Rohingya refugees in Penang is a national concern that needs the Federal Government, specifically the Ministry of Home Affairs, to step in, says Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow during the State Legislative Assembly session today.
Chow (PH-Padang Kota) addressed inquiries from Bukhori Ghazali (PN – Pinang Tunggal). The questions pertained to the agencies tasked with overseeing activities related to the Rohingya refugees, their freedom to engage in business within the state, and the measures in place to closely monitor their whereabouts.
“The matters concerning the Rohingya refugees are directly overseen by the Ministry of Home Affairs and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
“While a comprehensive solution lies within the purview of the Federal Government, the local councils in the state, namely the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) and Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP), have the authority to take action against businesses established unlawfully by Rohingya refugees.
“As for their entry into our country and state, it is well-known that there is a policy prohibiting their arrival by sea, but the current concern revolves around land entry.
“The extensive border between Malaysia and Thailand serves as the primary access point utilised by these migrants to enter our state, often facilitated by associated syndicates.
“Their entry is facilitated through employment opportunities and the presence of family members already residing in the state,” Chow explained.
The UNHCR is a global organisation dedicated to saving lives and protecting the rights of refugees, asylum-seekers, internally displaced and stateless people.
Chow also mentioned that the Federal Government, during the state National Security Council meeting recently, proposed an initiative to regulate the utilisation of UNHCR cards among Rohingya migrants.
“The suggestion aims to curb the frequent misuse of these cards for unintended purposes,” Chow said.
“The primary purpose of these cards is to facilitate the transport and resettlement of migrants in appropriate countries,” he added.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Darwina Mohd Daud and Alissala Thian