Follow Australia on border security, says expert after depot breakout

SHAH ALAM - An expert has called on Putrajaya to look into overcrowding problems and border security issues after the shocking depot breakout at Sg Bakap, Penang temporary Immigration Detention Depot yesterday.

Dr Norhazlina Fairuz of National Defence University (UPNM) said there is a high influx of refugees into Malaysia.

“The country has to bear the expenses and if they die we will have to deal with the human rights issues for failing to protect them," she told Sinar Daily.

As of end January 2022, theUnited Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said there are some 181,510 refugees and asylum-seekers registered with them in Malaysia.

Some 155,610 are from Myanmar, comprising some 103,560 Rohingyas, 22,580 Chins, and 29,470 other ethnic groups from conflict-affected areas or fleeing persecution in Myanmar.

Malaysia, Norhazlina said should follow the footsteps of Australia on border security by sending them to a particular island.

“They give out basic necessities such as clothes and food and ask them to turn around. Although they are criticised by the international community but they do that to protect their national security,” she said.

Malaysia could do the same by allowing them to land at a specific place, give out food and push back their boats.

After the Penang depot breakout, Norhazlina said there is a possibility of another similar incident.

“Let's say we have 10 depots in Malaysia with Rohingya refugees, what if the detainees decide to carry out riots. How ready are we to handle the situation?

"This is just one breakout at one place, imagine if it happens in other states as well?,” she said.

To dig deeper and solve the issue, she urged Putrajaya to seek expert views on ways to strengthen policies and to discuss with countries that accept refugees.

“The government also needs to raise the matter in Parliament and to look at how other countries such as Australia to beef up border security,” she said.