M’sians start gathering supplies for Rohingya

This article is more than 12 months old

May 15, 2015 04:54 pm

Despite the Malaysian government’s decision to turn away boats carrying Rohingya Muslims, some Malaysians have started gathering supplies to help the thousands of refugees adrift at sea.

They have already mobilised collection of food items and medical supplies, and are now working on securing the necessary clearance from the authorities to deliver the aid, Malay Mail Online reported.

Social activist Azrul Mohd Khalib told Malay Mail Online on Friday (May 15): “The problem now is if the ship is either in international waters or Thai waters, we do not know for certain.

“If it’s international waters it would be easier for us to deliver supplies and all but if Thai waters, it would be more problematic.”

Mr Azrul said there are also plans to set up base in Langkawi, being the nearest point to reach the refugees, apart from using helicopters to airdrop medical supplies.

Other prominent social activists who have started to mobilise to help the stateless migrants out includes Marina Mahathir, daughter of former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamed.