IPOH: While the Perak government remains committed to treating Rohingya refugees with compassion and in accordance with humanitarian principles, it has stressed that any breach of local laws and regulations will not be tolerated.
Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad said Rohingya who hold United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (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 a meet-the-people session here yesterday.
Saarani acknowledged growing public concern over reports of Rohingya 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 that business licences issued by local authorities are non-transferable, and allowing others, whether locals or non- locals, to use them constitutes an offence.
“The action that can be taken falls within the jurisdiction of local authorities, including revoking the business licence.”
At the same time, Saarani stressed that enforcement efforts should be balanced with humanitarian considerations, in line with reminders from the Federal Government.
“Because of this, we are sometimes perceived as being weak.
“Actually, it is not weakness, it is humanity,” he said.
At the same time, he urged the Rohingya community not to abuse the goodwill extended to them by Malaysians.
“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.
“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,” he said, adding that these circumstances justified a humanitarian response.
“We feel sympathy for them.
“Many of them are Muslims who have come here.
“In Islam, we are taught that Muslims are brothers and sisters to one another. That is why we emphasise the importance of humanity and compassion.”
