Abdul Karim responds to questions from the media during the press conference. – Photo by Mohd Faisal Ahmad
KUCHING (June 15): Sarawak’s decision not to welcome Rohingya refugees in 2017 has proven to be right in light of issues now faced in the Peninsula, said Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
“Looking at the situation today, we can see that our vision in 2017 was correct. Our vision was correct,” he said when asked on the matter during the Samarahan Food & Cultural Festival press conference at his office here on Monday.
Abdul Karim said Sarawak’s geographical location had also shielded the state from large-scale arrivals of Rohingya refugees, as those travelling by sea would typically arrive in Peninsular Malaysia or Indonesia first.
“We are blessed in that sense. To reach Sarawak, they would have to cross the Strait of Malacca and the South China Sea, which makes it less likely,” he said.
However, he said Sarawak’s stance should not be viewed as inhumane, noting that the state government has always been willing to assist those in need.
“We saw this during the Covid-19 pandemic when we provided assistance to those living here, including citizens from neighbouring countries who were unable to return home because the borders were closed,” he said.
Abdul Karim stressed that while Sarawak sympathised with the plight of the Rohingya people, who were forced to flee Myanmar due to persecution, the issue of refugee management had to be handled in a systematic and organised manner.
“When we look at how these migrants and refugees have been managed, I would not dare say that we are incapable of doing so. However, based on my personal observation, it has not been properly managed.
“That is why, wherever you go—whether in Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Perlis, Kedah or Terengganu—you can see many of these refugees, or people seeking a new place to live and build a life. To some extent, this has created social problems,” he said.
Abdul Karim further explained that any decision to accept refugees must be accompanied by proper and orderly management to prevent the emergence of unmanaged settlements and minimise adverse impacts on local communities.
“That is my outlook, and the Sarawak government has always been very focused on this matter,” he added.
