PUTRAJAYA: The Home Ministry is calling for humanitarian aid from non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and individuals to assist the Rohingya refugees in Langkawi.
Its minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the refugees issue has raised an immense humanitarian concern among Malaysians.
Zahid said the NGOs and individual donors were encouraged to come forward with assistance while the distribution will be facilitated by government agencies.
“This is a crisis that has touched the hearts of the compassionate in (the name of) universal humanity. It is no longer just an issue involving Muslims alone.
"I ask all NGOs, regardless of religion and race, to volunteer for the Rohingya migrants.
“Although they were the migrants who tried to enter (the country) illegally, and in violation of immigration laws, their welfare should not be ignored,” he said in a statement on the issue of several hundreds of refugees currently stranded in Langkawi, Kedah.