He said Asean must look out for the best approach in resolving the issue, rather than objecting to efforts to help the people.
“Two weeks ago, I personally asked the Myanmar defence minister to hold a bilateral meeting during the Asean Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM), to discuss the status and fate of the ethnic Rohingyas over there.
“I have reminded him this is (considered) a regional issue and if this is not addressed, we’re worried of (the presence of) certain ‘hotspots’ deemed as areas that have been targeted by the Daesh (Islamic State) militant group,” he said.
Hishammuddin was speaking to reporters after attending the Kuala Lumpur International Youth Discourse programme here today.
According to a Wisma Putra statement yesterday, Malaysia condemned the violence which had become more rampant in Northern Rakhine State, Myanmar over the past several months.
Kuala Lumpur also urged the Myanmar government to take strong action to address the issue of alleged ethnic cleansing there.
Meanwhile in his speech, Hishammuddin said Malaysia needed to intensify efforts to curb terrorist groups.
He said such measures included counter-messaging, curbing underground financial networks, deradicalising suspected extremists and monitoring the movements of potential recruits.
Malaysia has established a deradicalisation centre and was now working with a Middle Eastern country to set up a centre to counter the narratives and ideologies supported by terrorists and radical groups, he added.
Hishammuddin also said returning fighters must be closely monitored and dealt with accordingly.
In Kangar, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Shahidan Kassim proposed the government build special camps for Rohingya refugees at several states bordering Thailand, to prevent them from entering city areas.
He said the influx of foreigners, particularly the refugees into urban areas would only cause social problems.
“We don’t invite them (refugees) to come but on humanitarian grounds, we give them the necessary shelter, food and clothes although Malaysia did not sign any agreement on refugee rights,” he added.
Shahidan was met at the ‘Kangar Municipal Council during the People’s Heart’ programme in the Sheikh Ahmad Square here yesterday.
Also present was Raja Muda of Perlis Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail.
Shahidan, who is also Perlis Umno Liaison Committee chairman said the state Umno demanded the Nobel Peace Prize given to Myanmar Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi be taken back.
In Kota Bharu, Umno Information chief Annuar Musa said it was about time the United Nations (UN) intervened and called for a ceasefire to solve the humanitarian crisis.
“I think the UN should act immediately, declare a ceasefire and send peacekeeping troops to stop the calamity.
“The tortures are intentional so that the Muslims in Rakhine will leave the country. This is a chase-away process to instil fear in the Rohingya which eventually leads to trans border (regional) issues (for Asean),” he said.
Annuar was speaking to reporters after officiating a mass circumcision programme at SK Perol here today.