IPOH: The Perak government has warned that while the state remains committed to treating Rohingya refugees with compassion and humanity, it will not tolerate any violations of local laws and regulations.
Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad said Rohingya refugees holding United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) cards are protected under international humanitarian principles and should not be subjected to mistreatment.
“The Rohingya who hold UNHCR cards are subject to international laws.
“We cannot mistreat them, since they have come to Malaysia, we must treat them appropriately,” he told reporters after meet the people session here on Monday (June 15).
Saarani acknowledged growing public concern over reports of Rohingya refugees operating businesses through premises rented from local residents, despite regulations prohibiting them from conducting such activities.
“They are not supposed to conduct business, yet some of them do.
“They operate businesses using premises owned by locals, and some locals take the easier route by renting out their premises instead of running businesses themselves,” he said.
He explained that business licences issued by local authorities are non-transferable, and allowing others, whether locals or non-locals, to use them constitute an offence.
“When business licences are issued to local residents, those licences cannot be transferred to others.
“The action that can be taken falls within the jurisdiction of local authorities, including revoking the business licences involved,” he said.
At the same time, Saarani stressed that enforcement efforts should be balanced with humanitarian considerations, in line with reminders from the federal government.
He urged the Rohingya community not to abuse the goodwill extended to them by Malaysians.
“We hope the Rohingya understand and appreciate this humanitarian approach.
“They should not go too far, violate regulations, or create situations that lead to unrest, conflict and breaches of the law,” he said.
Saarani noted that in certain areas, including parts of Manjung, there were perceptions that the Rohingya community had become increasingly assertive beyond what was permitted under state laws.
“That is something we cannot allow. While the people of Perak are prepared to show compassion and humanity, they should not repay that kindness with actions that lead to disturbances, disputes or violations of the rules and regulations that have been established,” he added.
Asked why the Rohingya could not simply be deported, Saarani said many had fled their homeland due to violence and persecution.
“If their country was peaceful and their homes and villages were safe, they would not have come here.
“They came because their country is not at peace. When they return home, they find their houses burnt down, while their wives and daughters have suffered terrible abuses,” he added.
