Mehrom president Zafar Ahmad Abdul Ghani said the refugees are already struggling to survive as it is, making it impossible for them to afford the money needed to fund such groups.
“This claim is false. Just as the many past claims of terrorism or violence initiated by Rohingya in the Rakhine state.
“Whatever money the refugees make here are channelled to their family back home, who would not be able to survive without the assistance.
“But the purpose of the money is to buy food, medicine, and the basic survival necessities that they are deprived of,” he told FMT.
Zafar was commenting on a report earlier this week, which quoted sources saying that some Rohingya in Malaysia have been providing financial support to insurgent group Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (Arsa) in Myanmar, for them to buy firearms and ammunition.
“Arsa has been asking for and getting financial support from the Rohingya community in Malaysia,” a source well placed within the Rohingya community in Kuala Lumpur had told FMT.
“If they need money to buy weapons and ammunition, they will ask their compatriots in Malaysia for help in a WhatsApp group.”
Zafar said he has received no information confirming the source’s claim, but insisted that the Rohingya refugees here are only interested in ensuring peace in their home.
“We want the genocide to stop. To give our people the rights and freedom they deserve.
“But no, we don’t even have enough on our side, how can we fund the insurgents?”
He added that if the claim was true, and if the authorities have any knowledge of it, then they should take the necessary action to stop it.
“But don’t make sweeping statements without proof, as it will affect the way other people see us. The way other Malaysians perceive us.
“Whatever we have done is for survival and to protect those we love.”
Arsa is active in northern Rakhine state, fighting Myanmar security forces.
The Myanmar government has declared it a terrorist organisation, but the group denies the allegation, claiming that its purpose is to defend the rights of the Rohingya.
Rohingya in Malaysia funding Myanmar insurgent group, says source