AT LEAST 200 Rohingya refugees intercepted in waters off Langkawi this morning will be screened for the Covid-19 virus, Kedah health authorities said.

The 202 refugees are currently in the custody of the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA), which met them off Pantai Telok Nibong at 5am today.

Kedah exco for health Ismail Salleh said the state government is waiting for the National Disaster Management Agency to determine where the Rohingya should be quarantined.

“The state health department will take samples from them tomorrow for screening,” Ismail told The Malaysian Insight, adding the Kedah Zakat Foundation would be providing food for the Rohingya.

The refugees comprise 152 men, 45 women and five children, according to regional MMEA deputy director Zulinda Ramly, adding they would be handed to the Immigration Department later as they entered the country illegally.

Zulinda said MMEA is also investigating three alleged people smugglers for their involvement in bringing the Rohingya into Malaysia. – April 5, 2020.