Kuala lumpur: The Penang State Government will continue to monitor the issue of the Rohingya community's resettlement in the state following the voluntary relocation of 121 Rohingya from a temporary settlement at the former tsunami site in Penaga, Kuala Muda in North Seberang Perai (SPU), near here on Sunday night.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow stated that the relocation was not an operation ordered by the state government, but rather carried out by the community who chose to seek assistance from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). He mentioned that the relocation was facilitated by the provision of transport to ease their movement out of the area.
Chow clarified that the government did not conduct any operations and explained that those who wanted to relocate sought assistance from UNHCR and moved to Kuala Lumpur. He noted that the presence of the Rohingya community has impacted the local social and economic situation, prompting the community to voluntarily relocate.
Chow made these remarks after an official visit to the Mi Equipment factory in the Bayan Lepas Industrial Estate, accompanied by InvestPenang chief executive officer Datuk Seri Loo Lee Lian. He noted that several areas in the state have Rohingya community groups, including Penaga and Bagan, and that the state government is consistently monitoring developments in these areas.
He added that there have been few direct complaints to the state government, with residents more likely to channel information or complaints through the Village Community Management Council (MPKK) or the police.
Chow emphasized the importance of respecting the country's laws and using the appropriate channels to address issues related to the community. He urged UNHCR to take a more active role in monitoring refugee-related issues, especially as increasing numbers could pose management challenges.
He reiterated that actions affecting residents' lives or creating obstacles should not be tolerated, stressing that people must respect the law and use correct channels upon arrival.
The relocation of 121 Rohingya from temporary settlements at the former Penaga tsunami site occurred voluntarily due to economic competition and increased residents in the area. SPU district police chief ACP Anuar Abdul Rahman reported that the relocation was voluntarily carried out by the Rohingya, coordinated with federal departments, state government, the National Security Council, and representatives of locals and the Rohingya.
Hundreds of Rohingya refugees reportedly gathered in front of the UNHCR office in Jalan Bukit Petaling, Kuala Lumpur after arriving in the capital early in the morning on three buses from Penang. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim commented that the government would not compromise on any refugee group that disrupts public order or attempts to take control of any area in the country.