Langkawi: The recent boat tragedy off Langkawi involving Rohingya refugees from Myanmar should be seen within a broader context, not merely as a border security issue, Home Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said. Speaking at an event with Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidate Thonny Chee, contesting the Api-Api seat in the upcoming Sabah state election, he said the 'push factors' driving refugees to Malaysia must be considered alongside government response.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Saifuddin emphasized that the refugees are Myanmar nationals who lack citizenship and live in overcrowded camps in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh. The camp houses nearly 1.2 million refugees, including 36,000 newborns, while international funding is dwindling. He noted that although refugee camps are intended as temporary resettlement solutions, geopolitical changes have shifted the landscape. Countries like the United States, once the largest resettlement destination, are no longer accepting refugees. The deteriorating conditions in the camps compel refugees to seek new destinations.
Saifuddin was responding to criticism surrounding the Nov 15 migrant boat tragedy off Langkawi, which claimed 29 lives and left 14 survivors, highlighting perceived gaps in Malaysia's maritime border control. He acknowledged the potential involvement of refugees in illegal activities, such as human smuggling, during their journey, stating that such incidents are thoroughly investigated.
He further explained that although Malaysia is not a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention, the government cannot ignore refugees found at sea. This is why search and rescue operations are conducted to save lives. Langkawi, a popular landing point, has witnessed approximately 2,300 refugee arrivals, detentions, or fatalities from 2010 to 2025.
Saifuddin added that the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) supervises the area, with the ability to deploy immediately during incidents. The MMEA, along with the Marine Police and the Royal Malaysian Navy, is responsible for ensuring national security.
On election preparedness, Saifuddin mentioned that the Royal Malaysia Police is prepared for contingencies, including flood risks from the northeast monsoon, during the 17th Sabah state election period. He noted that the Nov 15 nomination day proceeded smoothly, indicating effective security arrangements. He urged citizens to be prepared for floods while maintaining confidence in the security forces, emphasizing that the election is a democratic celebration and citizens should exercise their right to vote without fear.
Polling for the 17th Sabah State Election is scheduled for Nov 29, with early voting on Nov 25. For the latest news on the 17th Sabah state election, visit prn.bernama.com/sabah/index.php.