(Kuala Lumpur/Myanmar, 28th) The Malaysian government is employing a three-pronged approach to handle the increasingly serious issue of the Rohingya people. Authorities are establishing diplomatic contacts with the Myanmar government, urging Myanmar to arrange for the repatriation of the Rohingya currently residing in Malaysia.
Authorities will also continue to work with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to arrange resettlement in third countries for those who meet the criteria, while comprehensively strengthening border control to prevent further illegal entry of Rohingya into the country.
According to reports compiled from Malaysian media, after visiting Padang Besar at the Malaysia-Thailand border on Saturday (June 27), National Security Council Director-General Norhisham told reporters that in recent years, the number of third countries willing to accept Rohingya refugees has decreased compared to the past. Therefore, in addition to continuing to collaborate with the UNHCR to help resettle refugees, the government has been actively negotiating with the Myanmar government, hoping that Myanmar will take back the Rohingya currently in Malaysia.
Norhisham said Prime Minister Anwar recently revealed that the Myanmar government had informed Bangladesh that it was considering taking back about 300,000 Rohingya living in refugee camps in Bangladesh.
He stated that this arrangement does not include Rohingya currently residing in Malaysia, but this situation shows that the Myanmar government is willing or able to receive Rohingya returning to their place of origin.
He disclosed that the government has assigned Home Minister Saifuddin to discuss this matter with Myanmar officials, and to follow up on specific arrangements for the repatriation of Rohingya.
Norhisham said, according to the UNHCR, there are about 120,000 to 130,000 registered Rohingya with UNHCR throughout Malaysia, with 210 in Kangar, Arau, and Padang Besar in Perlis, indicating that the proportion of Rohingya in Perlis is very small relative to the national total.
He pointed out that according to figures previously announced by Inspector-General of Police Mohamad Khalid, the percentage of criminal cases involving Rohingya only accounts for about 0.02% of the total national crime rate.
But he emphasized that the government does not look at the Rohingya issue solely from crime data, but also needs to consider factors such as illegal entry, border control, and transnational criminal groups. Therefore, the government will take an overall and coordinated approach to address this issue objectively and based on data.
He said the government will continue to strengthen border security and law enforcement, and deal with the Rohingya issue through international cooperation to ensure the nation's ongoing security.
Norhisham also revealed that the National Security Council is currently coordinating several strategic measures under the 13th Malaysia Plan, including a proposal to build a 131.4 km security wall and fencing at the Malaysia-Thailand border, covering Perlis, Kedah, and Perak, at an estimated cost of about RM 327.2 million.
He said that in the future, border control will not only involve the construction of physical barriers, but also the integration of technologies such as artificial intelligence, drones, and smart monitoring systems to comprehensively enhance border security management.
According to reports compiled from Malaysian media, after visiting Padang Besar at the Malaysia-Thailand border on Saturday (June 27), National Security Council Director-General Norhisham told reporters that in recent years, the number of third countries willing to accept Rohingya refugees has decreased compared to the past. Therefore, in addition to continuing to collaborate with the UNHCR to help resettle refugees, the government has been actively negotiating with the Myanmar government, hoping that Myanmar will take back the Rohingya currently in Malaysia.
Norhisham said Prime Minister Anwar recently revealed that the Myanmar government had informed Bangladesh that it was considering taking back about 300,000 Rohingya living in refugee camps in Bangladesh.
He stated that this arrangement does not include Rohingya currently residing in Malaysia, but this situation shows that the Myanmar government is willing or able to receive Rohingya returning to their place of origin.
He disclosed that the government has assigned Home Minister Saifuddin to discuss this matter with Myanmar officials, and to follow up on specific arrangements for the repatriation of Rohingya.
Norhisham said, according to the UNHCR, there are about 120,000 to 130,000 registered Rohingya with UNHCR throughout Malaysia, with 210 in Kangar, Arau, and Padang Besar in Perlis, indicating that the proportion of Rohingya in Perlis is very small relative to the national total.
He pointed out that according to figures previously announced by Inspector-General of Police Mohamad Khalid, the percentage of criminal cases involving Rohingya only accounts for about 0.02% of the total national crime rate.
But he emphasized that the government does not look at the Rohingya issue solely from crime data, but also needs to consider factors such as illegal entry, border control, and transnational criminal groups. Therefore, the government will take an overall and coordinated approach to address this issue objectively and based on data.
He said the government will continue to strengthen border security and law enforcement, and deal with the Rohingya issue through international cooperation to ensure the nation's ongoing security.
Norhisham also revealed that the National Security Council is currently coordinating several strategic measures under the 13th Malaysia Plan, including a proposal to build a 131.4 km security wall and fencing at the Malaysia-Thailand border, covering Perlis, Kedah, and Perak, at an estimated cost of about RM 327.2 million.
He said that in the future, border control will not only involve the construction of physical barriers, but also the integration of technologies such as artificial intelligence, drones, and smart monitoring systems to comprehensively enhance border security management.