JASIN: A permanent solution to the Rohingya issue remains high on the state government's agenda, with efforts underway to repatriate refugees through proper legal channels.
Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh said his administration was working closely with the Federal Government to facilitate the safe repatriation of Rohingya refugees to Bangladesh, Myanmar or a third country.
"We are taking a holistic, amicable and humanitarian approach to address the issue of Rohingya refugees," he said.
"Our priority is to address the concerns of the people while preserving harmony within the local community," he said after a launch event on Sunday (June 28).
He had earlier launched the Permata Anak Melaka and Additional Mathematics Tuition Programme for Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia students at the Melaka Co-Curriculum Centre in Merlimau.
An estimated 1,000 Rohingya refugees are currently residing in the state, with most concentrated in Duyong and Pengkalan Rama.
Ab Rauf said that although the state recognised the humanitarian needs of the refugees, it would not compromise on matters affecting public order.
"Those who come here seeking compassion and humanitarian assistance cannot overstep the boundaries of our laws and the norms of the communities in which they live," he said.
"If they violate public order, I will work together with the Federal Government to ensure appropriate action is taken," he added.
He reiterated that the state remained committed to resolving the issue through an orderly repatriation process while safeguarding the safety, wellbeing and harmony of local communities.
Earlier, Ab Rauf said the tuition programme would benefit 250 students preparing for the public examination.
He said the state's performance in the 2025 examination had improved with a total of 473 candidates obtaining A grades in all subjects, while 12 achieved straight A+.
Over the past three years, he said the state government has channelled more than RM196mil towards education initiatives.
This funding went toward school development, financial assistance and human capital programmes, benefiting more than 140,000 students statewide.
He also thanked Yayasan Tuan Yang Terutama Yang di-Pertua Negeri for contributing RM175,700 towards the implementation of the two programmes.
