TTHE Rohingya refugee issue never fades away from our thoughts, especially when it involves our country.
Most of Myanmar’s 1.1 million Rohingyas are stateless and live in apartheid-like conditions in the country’s northwestern Rakhine state.
Almost 140,000 were displaced in deadly clashes with majority Buddhists in 2012. They are denied citizenship and have long complained of state-sanctioned discrimination.
Thousands of Rohingyas are brought in by traffickers through southern Thailand every year, and in recent years, it has been common for the refugees to be held in remote camps along the rugged border with Malaysia until a ransom is paid for their freedom.
The matter recently became serious with the recent discovery of 139 graves in Bukit Wang Kelian, Perlis, containing the bodies of refugees suspected to have succumbed to mistreatment, torture and starvation.
Many died tragically, and this attracts the public to know more about the refugees’ story and the masterminds behind this human trafficking issue.
The refugees have been manipulated by syndicates promising great opportunities if they work in Malaysia, but the fact is they have become forced labour.
Many syndicates target Malaysia, not only as a place of employment, but also as a transit country.
The intentions of the refugees are genuine, so why are they treated like animals? There is no sense of humanity at all.
The question that arises is, who should be blamed for this? Is it the Malaysian government’s fault? Why is Myanmar keeping silent?
The authorities are investigating those involved.
So far, two police officers have been caught, but the masterminds have yet to be apprehended. Hopefully, the arrests of rogue policemen will lead to the arrest of the masterminds behind this atrocity.
I strongly urge the authorities and the police to get to the bottom of the matter as soon as possible so that the victims can get their justice.
Nor Farhana Hussin, Nilai, Negri Sembilan