THE 202 Rohingya refugees who landed on Langkawi on April 4 have received food aid and clothing, said a relief organisation.

The Malaysian Relief Agency (MRA) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Malaysia were able to channel the aid to the refugees, who are now in the custody of the Kedah maritime enforcement agency for quarantine.

They comprise 152 men, 45 women and four children, who were detained while entering Langkawi waters near Teluk Nibong beach after sailing for the Cox Bazar refugee camp in Bangladesh for nearly two months.

“Basic food assistance as well as a complete set of relief clothing along with blankets, towels, and underwear to all detainees worth RM70,000,” the MRA said.

Malaysian Red Crescent Society and Medecins Sans Frontieres have also contributed medicines, hygiene kits and basic food through MRA to the detainees. 

“MRA doctors and paramedics are also sent to a temporary detention centre to provide medical care, as most of them suffer from poor health, malnutrition and dehydration as a result of sailing without adequate water, food and medicine.

“In addition, the MRA and UNHCR have provided specific diagnostic kits for the purpose of screening and detection of Covid-19 for all prisoners during quarantine,” it added.

MRA was asked to help by the National Security Council (MKN).

According to MRA, since the movement-control order began a month ago, refugees, particularly Rohingya in Malaysia, have been among the most badly affected.

“This is because these groups are not eligible to receive government assistance and rely only on local NGOs.” 

However, despite working together with UNHCR to help more than 2,000 Rohingya refugee families, MRA said the assistance is insufficient relative to current demand.

At least 15 Rohingya refugees drowned in February when a vessel carrying about 130 people capsized in the Bay of Bengal while attempting to enter Malaysia.

According to UNHCR, Malaysia hosts around 101,010 Rohingya refugees, making them the largest group in the country. – April 20, 2020.