KUCHING: Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah has come out in defence of Sarawak’s long-held decision to not accept Rohingya refugees, stressing that it should not be viewed as inhumane.
This is because Sarawak has a proven track record of lending a helping hand to vulnerable people in difficulty.
He stressed that the state’s stance should therefore not be viewed as a lack of compassion, saying Sarawak continues to sympathise with the suffering faced by the Rohingya people who have fled persecution in Myanmar.
“We sympathise with the plight of the Rohingya. We are saddened by what has happened in Myanmar, where many people have been forced to leave their own country because of persecution.
“But that does not mean we are inhuman. The Sarawak government has always been willing to help those who are in difficulty,” he told reporters after a press conference on the Samarahan Food and Cultural Festival (SFCF) 2026 here on Monday (June 15).
Abdul Karim said the management of refugees must be handled in an orderly and systematic manner, adding that poor administration could lead to social and economic challenges.
In this instance he said a situation must not arise where those who arrive remain for years, establish settlements and eventually create difficulties for locals in carrying out their businesses.
He noted that Sarawak’s geographical separation from Peninsular Malaysia had helped the state avoid similar challenges, as many refugees entering Malaysia generally arrive through routes closer to Thailand and Myanmar.
Recalling the state’s earlier decision, Abdul Karim said Sarawak had made its position clear on the issue in 2017 and maintained that the decision has proven to be the correct one.
“Looking at the situation today, we can say our decision back then was correct. We do not welcome them, but that does not mean we have no sympathy,” he said.
The state’s position was first made clear in 2017 when Premier (then known as Chief Minister) Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg stated that Sarawak would not be involved in any effort to resettle Rohingya refugees in the state.
The stance was supported by then Minister of Education, Science and Technological Research Datuk Seri Michael Manyin Jawong, who also rejected claims circulating at the time that Serian and Bau would be designated as settlement areas for the refugees.
Abdul Karim added that Sarawak had previously extended assistance to non-citizens in need, including foreign workers who were stranded in the state during the Covid-19 pandemic due to border closures.
He said the state would continue to provide humanitarian assistance when necessary but maintained that any refugee policy at the national level should be implemented with proper planning and management.
