Rohingya in KL laud hospital plan
KUALA LUMPUR: Rohingya refugees, who are wounded or ill, will benefit from a field hospital Malaysia plans to build at a refugee camp in Bangladesh.
Described as godsend by the Rohingya in Malaysia, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi announced the plan to build the RM3.5 million facility during his visit there on Monday.
Rohingya refugee Faridullah Dudumiya, who escaped Myanmar 27 years ago and settled in Malaysia, thanked the government for the move.
“Building a hospital with complete and advanced equipment is great for those who are desperate at the refugee camp,” he said.
Myanmar Ethnic Rohingya Human Rights Organisation Malaysia president Zafar Ahmad Abdul Ghani said he was glad that Zahid visited the refugee camp to witness the Rohingya’s ordeal.
“I’m glad that the Malaysian government (is going the distance) to help Rohingya refugees.
“Other than the hospital, we need help in providing food, medicine, clothes and clean water supply. Hopefully, restrooms could be built at the refugee camp.
“Due to the lack of restrooms, there are hygiene and health issues.”
Rohingya Society in Malaysia Kedah chairman Mohd Noor Abu Bakar, 48, said the hospital would ensure that Rohingya refugees remained in Bangladesh.
“I believe our government knows the best way to help Rohingya refugees, and I hope that the construction of the hospital will not be delayed.
“While the move is commendable, we must think of what can be done. I think more doctors should be sent to every camp in Cox’s Bazar,” he told the New Straits Times.