KUALA LUMPUR: The issue of illegal settlements involving the Rohingya community has become increasingly difficult to contain and requires a comprehensive and well-planned solution, saysTan Sri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay.
Describing the problem as a long-standing issue, the Deputy Inspector-General of Police said it could no longer be viewed solely as an enforcement matter and required cooperation from multiple agencies as well as the international community.
As of April, Malaysia is home to 219,472 holders of cards issued by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
“197,591 are Myanmar nationals, and of that, 128,200 are from the Rohingya ethnic group,” he told reporters after visiting the Tunku Ampuan Besar Tuanku Aishah Rohani Hospital on Thursday (June 11), in conjunction with the 219th Police Day celebration.
Ayob Khan said efforts to address the Rohingya issue should not be placed solely on the shoulders of the police, the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency or the Immigration Department.
He noted that the entry of undocumented migrants involved several layers of enforcement, beginning at sea before they eventually reached Malaysian shores.
“The police are the last link in the chain. From a security and crime perspective, we will take action if they are involved in any offences.
“However, when they are arrested and punished, the question arises as to where they should be sent afterwards. That is why this issue requires cooperation from all parties, including source countries and other relevant nations,” he said.
Ayob Khan also stressed that operations against illegal migrant settlements, including those involving Rohingya communities, are being carried out continuously by the authorities.
As an example, he cited a recent operation at the Flat Rancangan Sungai Tekali area in Hulu Langat, where 42 individuals were detained.
“Kajang OCPD has already issued a statement regarding the matter on June 9,” he said.
