IPOH, June 15 — Showing restraint when dealing with Rohingya refugees who violate local laws and regulations should not be mistaken for a sign of weakness, but rather as an expression of compassion and humanity, Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad said.
Saarani said Rohingya refugees holding United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) cards are subject to international law and should be treated appropriately while residing in Malaysia.
“I welcome the reminder from the federal government that while taking action on these matters, there must also be room for humanitarian considerations.
“Because of that, sometimes people see us as weak. Actually, we are not weak; we are being humane,” he told a press conference after attending the ‘Meet Consumer Day’ programme at the Indera Mulia Stadium here.
He said the state government hoped the Rohingya community would understand and appreciate the humanitarian approach extended to them and refrain from violating local laws and regulations.
Saarani said some Rohingya refugees had become increasingly bold as their community grew larger, with some allegedly engaging in business activities despite regulations prohibiting them from doing so.
He added that some of these businesses were operating from premises owned by local citizens who preferred to rent out their shops rather than run businesses themselves.
“Many of these cases actually fall under the jurisdiction of local councils. When a business licence is issued to a local citizen, it cannot be transferred to another person, whether a local or a foreigner.
“Doing so is an offence, and the local authority has the power to revoke the business licence,” he said.
Saarani cited markets in Selayang and several areas in Perak, particularly Manjung, where he said some members of the Rohingya community appeared to have exceeded the boundaries set by state regulations.
“We cannot allow that,” he said.
He reminded the Rohingya community that the people of Perak were prepared to continue extending compassion and humanitarian support, but warned that such kindness should not be repaid with actions that could lead to riots, fights or violations of established rules.
Saarani also stressed that expelling Rohingya refugees was not a straightforward solution, as many had fled conflict and persecution in their homeland.
“In reality, they cannot simply be expelled. The question is, where would they be sent?
“If their country were peaceful and their homes and villages were safe and comfortable, they would not have come here in the first place,” he said.
He added that many Rohingya refugees who returned to their homeland found their homes destroyed and family members subjected to abuse, which was why Malaysians should continue to show sympathy and compassion towards them.
