A petition calling for Rohingya refugees in Malaysia to either be repatriated or resettled in a third country has gained more than 300,000 signatures.
The petition, titled “Remove Rohingya from Malaysia”, was launched by an account named Aku Anak Malaysia and is aiming to gather one million signatures.
Petition claims country’s resources are being strained
According to the petition, Malaysia has faced significant challenges in recent years due to the presence of Rohingya refugees.
The petition claimed that the increasing number of Rohingya entering the country has placed pressure on Malaysia’s resources, infrastructure and social services.
It also alleged that the situation has led to tension within local communities, as already limited resources become even more stretched.
With the increasing number of Rohingya entering the country, there is a growing strain on our resources, infrastructure, and social services.
“This influx has led to heightened tensions within local communities, as resources that are already scarce become even more limited,” the petition read.
Economic and security concerns
The petition also claimed that the economic impact of the issue should not be underestimated.
It stated that as Malaysia continues working to improve its economy and quality of life for citizens, the presence of a large refugee population requires careful management and considerable resources.
It also claimed that the situation had been further complicated by the global pandemic, which placed pressure on the country’s health services and economy.
Apart from economic concerns, the petition also raised security worries, claiming that reports of crime rates had increased in areas where refugee settlements are concentrated.
However, the petition also noted that not all refugees are involved in such activities.
“While not all refugees are involved in these activities, the mere association has led to fear and mistrust within communities,” it read.
Calls for a comprehensive plan
The petition is calling on the Malaysian government to develop a comprehensive plan to address the issue.
It also urged the authorities to work with international organisations to seek alternative solutions, including resettlement in third countries or enhanced support in their home regions in Myanmar.
The organiser said while they understood the humanitarian aspect of the situation, they believed the current approach was no longer sustainable.
We understand the humanitarian aspect of the situation, but we believe the current approach is unsustainable.
“It’s crucial for Malaysia to prioritise its own citizens’ welfare and stability while working on a humane solution for the refugees.”
Debate resurfaced after recent complaints
The petition comes amid renewed public discussion surrounding the Rohingya community in Malaysia.
The controversy reportedly began after local residents raised complaints over waste management following the slaughtering of cows for korban.
What started as concerns over cleanliness later grew into a wider debate on social media about the status and presence of the Rohingya community in the country.
Several related incidents involving Rohingya individuals have also been widely discussed online, further fuelling public attention towards the issue.
UMNO leader says permanent settlement demand touches on sovereignty
Earlier, Wanita UMNO Exco Datuk Nurulhidayah Ahmad Zahid also commented on the matter.
She said any demand for Rohingya refugees to be given permanent settlement in Malaysia touches on the sensitivities of national sovereignty.
She added that such demands were inappropriate as Malaysia’s sovereignty must be respected.
The issue has since continued to spark divided views online, with some calling for stricter action, while others urged the matter to be handled with care due to the humanitarian concerns involved.
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