Rohingya barred from holding events in open areas in Melaka village

 Kesidang assemblyman Allex Seah says this is to avoid disputes or disturbance to local residents.

Kesidang assemblyman Allex Seah said the Rohingya can only hold community events at suitable premises such as rented restaurants or halls in the constituency. (Facebook pic)

MELAKA:

 Foreign nationals residing in the Kesidang state constituency, particularly the Rohingya, are not allowed to organise any events or celebrations in open areas to avoid disputes or disturbing local residents.

Kesidang assemblyman Allex Seah said the decision was finalised after a meeting of Kesidang’s village development and security committee (JPKK) and several government authorities and agencies.

Seah said that if the Rohingya community still wished to organise community events, they could hold them at suitable premises such as restaurants or halls.

“Previously, there were members of the Rohingya community who held a community event at Kampung Limbongan, which caused discomfort and disrupted harmony among local residents because of the loud music and the presence of groups from outside the village.

“Recently, I received a letter stating that Rohingya residents in the same village intended to hold a wedding ceremony. This time, approval was not granted to prevent any undesirable issues or situations,” he told reporters after a visit to Kampung Kolam in Limbongan here today.

Seah, who is also a state executive councillor, was joined by members of Kesidang’s JPKK, the police, and representatives from the Melaka city council and the immigration department.

He said there were between 100 and 200 Rohingya residing in Limbongan, and that residents had complained about some of them allegedly riding motorcycles dangerously with noisy exhausts in the area.

“Most of the Rohingya in this area own vehicles such as cars and motorcycles, even though under the law, they are not allowed to obtain driving licences.

“We cannot drive them away. So, instead, we will enforce existing laws to ensure the safety of the local residents is not affected,” he said. - FMT