Malaysia Turns Away Boats of Rohingya Refugees

Malaysian authorities have turned away two boats carrying nearly 300 individuals believed to be Rohingya refugees who entered the country illegally. After a group of 196 Rohingya landed on Langkawi island, the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency detected two additional boats attempting to enter. The passengers on these boats were reported to be exhausted and lacking food and water, but they were provided with assistance before being escorted away. Malaysia has been cautious about accepting Rohingya due to fears of a mass influx, despite its history of offering humanitarian refuge. As of late November, approximately 111,410 Rohingya asylum seekers were registered in Malaysia. The ongoing refugee crisis stems from violence and persecution faced by the Rohingya in Myanmar, prompting many to seek better opportunities in Malaysia.