Rohingya refugees find a helping hand

At Shah Porir Dwip, where the Naf river drains out to the Bengal Sea, in complete darkness, Rohingya refugees alight from a wooden boat and make their way to shore.

Once on land, they catch their breath, filling their lungs with Bangladesh air after crossing the imaginary boundary.

The Rohingya are officially stateless. Myanmar refuses to acknowledge them and insists they are immigrant Bengalis.

Bangladesh, on the other hand, has committed to offering safe haven for those fleeing violence but insists the Rohingya belong in Rakhine and must return.

Malaysian organisations are eager to help. While the intention is noble, they must work together with Dhaka and not against them.

Trying to circumvent the system and distribute aid on a tourist visa severely undermines the relationship that relief organisations like Mercy Malaysia and Islamic Relief Malaysia have both forged with Bangladesh for many years.

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