JASIN: A permanent solution to the Rohingya issue remains high on the state government’s agenda, with efforts underway to repatriate the refugees through proper legal channels, said Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh.
The Melaka Chief Minister 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.
“Our priority is to address the concerns of the people while preserving harmony within the local community,” he said after launching the Permata Anak Melaka and Additional Mathematics Tuition Programme for Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) students at the Melaka Co-Curriculum Centre in Merlimau here yesterday.
An estimated 1,000 Rohingya refugees are currently residing in the state, mostly 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.
“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.
Earlier, Ab Rauf said the Permata Anak Melaka and Additional Mathematics Tuition programme would benefit 250 students preparing for the SPM examination.
He said the state’s performance in the 2025 SPM examination had improved, with a total of 473 candidates obtaining A grades in all subjects, while 12 achieved straight A+.
