MMEA braces for refugee influx
LANGKAWI: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency ( MMEA) has revised its strategy in anticipation of an influx of Rohingya refugees following the atrocities committed against them in Myanmar.
MMEA director- general Admiral ( Maritime) Datuk Zulkifili Abu Bakar said previously human trafficking syndicates were the masterminds for the entry of illegal refugees, but now the situation differed.
“The situation is different as the pressure is worse, resulting in many Rohingya fleeing from their homeland to Bangladesh,” he said.
He told this to reporters after attending a handing over ceremony between former Northern Region maritime director, First Maritime Admiral Zukarnain Mohd Omar and his successor, First Maritime Admiral Rozali Mohd Said.
He said there were now reportedly 800,000 Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh and were anticipated to attempt to flee southwards in boats, with Malaysia as one their destinations.
Zulkifli said Rozali who now undertakes the task of heading maritime districts which included Perlis, Kedah, Penang and Perak had already been informed of the aniticipated influx of Rohingya refugees and was directed to make necessary preparations.
“The preparations are made based on humanitarian grounds and temporary assistance provided through collaborative efforts with other government agencies,” he added.
Zulkifli is confident that Rozali, who has served in the Eastern Sabah Security Command ( ESSCom) and as Penang district MMEA director, was capable of implementing the planned enforcement strategy. — Bernama