Myanmar Ethnic Rohingya Human Rights Organisation Malaysia (Mehrom) president Zahar Ahmad Ghani called it a positive move for the 56,000 Rohingya in Malaysia holding a United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) card.

“On behalf of my community, I thank the deputy prime minister for doing this with an open heart,” he told FMT.

Earlier today, Zahid told Bernama Malaysia would be providing the 56,000 Rohingya UNHCR cardholders with training for semi-skilled labour.

Those who fall under this category generally include security guards, taxi drivers, laundry operators and clerks but it is not known what Zahid has in mind for the Rohingya.

Zahid said such training would transform the refugees from being a liability into an asset.

“The study is being carried out and I will announce it shortly,” he was quoted as saying.

Zahar hoped the proposal would not prove to be an empty promise.

“If you really want to help, please put in the effort.”

He also expressed hope that the government would continue to champion the rights of the Rohingya at the international level.