PENANG has called on the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) to step up their role to ensure the safety of the Rohingya community in the state following complaints lodged by residents in Penaga, near Butterworth.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow acknowledged that there are concerns among the local communities about the mushrooming of the Rohingya in the state.
It is believed that there are an estimated 20,000 total refugees and asylum seekers residing here, according to state data.
The Rohingya form a significant portion of this group, living across multiple localised settlements on both the island and the mainland.
Concentrations exist in Kepala Batas, Tasek Gelugor, Penaga, Bagan, Permatang Pauh, Bukit Mertajam, Batu Kawan, and Nibong Tebal, whereas on the island, at Bukit Bendera, Tanjong, Jelutong, Bukit Gelugor, Bayan Baru, and Balik Pulau.
Yesterday, around 121 to 126 Rohingya individuals voluntarily relocated from a temporary settlement at Penaga to Kuala Lumpur to seek assistance from the UNHCR Malaysia office because the local community were upset with them.
Chow said that the recent operations to nab illegal Rohingya were orchestrated by the Federal side, adding that those who relocated from Penaga did so voluntarily.
"At times, there are too many of them in one location until it disrupts the economy of the local area. We are aware of this, hence the UNHCR needs to help us find a solution."
According to Chow, the Rohingya community also understands the sentiments of the local groups, hence they opted to leave Penaga and relocate to Kuala Lumpur.
Chow said that the best approach is to deal with the matter following the law, which is similar to what Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is advocating.
Asked about the tragic death of an 18-year-old Tan Tze Kim, who was found dead on the fifth-floor podium of the state administrative complex of Komtar, Chow replied that the fire and rescue department has cleared the amusement park operator of any foul play.
Tan apparently visited the amusement park before plunging from the 68th floor onto the fifth-floor podium of the tallest building in the northern region.
Chow said that the operator has issued a memorandum to staff to be vigilant of any suspicious activities among the patrons at the tourist attraction here. - July 28, 2026.
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