KUCHING: Sarawak’s firm stance against accepting Rohingya refugees remains an important safeguard to protect the state’s resources, autonomy and the interests of its people.
Growing public concern over the increasing number of Rohingya refugees in Malaysia has reignited discussions on immigration policies, resource allocation and the long-term impact on local communities nationwide.
Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) Youth Central Vice-Chairman Kelvin Hii said the state’s decision to reject the settlement of Rohingya refugees remains both prudent and necessary.
“I fully support Sarawak Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts (MTCP), Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah’s reaffirmation that Sarawak’s 2017 decision to reject Rohingya settlement remains clear and unchanged,” he said in a press statement today (June 18).
Hii said that according to United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) statistics, at least 126,144 Rohingya refugees are currently registered in Malaysia, excluding those who remain undocumented.
“The growing refugee population has inevitably increased pressure on public infrastructure, social services and national resources. These are issues that must be carefully managed to ensure the welfare of Malaysians is not compromised,” he stressed.
While acknowledging the humanitarian considerations behind Malaysia’s acceptance of Rohingya refugees, he stressed that Sarawak must prioritise its own development agenda and the needs of its people.
“Sarawak is undergoing rapid economic transformation. Our resources should be strategically invested in improving the well-being, education, healthcare and economic opportunities available to Sarawakians,” Hii reiterated.
At the same time, he emphasised that Sarawak has consistently demonstrated humanitarian values through assistance provided during the COVID-19 pandemic, the sharing of green energy expertise, medical support initiatives and employment opportunities for foreign workers.
“Humanitarian assistance should always be carried out within our capacity and through proper planning. This ensures support can be extended without affecting the interests of local communities,” he said.
He also praised the Sarawak Government for safeguarding the state’s immigration autonomy under the Sarawak Immigration Ordinance 1958, describing it as one of the most important protections of Sarawak’s rights.
He urged Sarawakians to remain united in defending the state’s autonomy, rejecting proposals that could weaken its authority, and continuing to support political stability to ensure Sarawak’s long-term prosperity and development.
