Rohingya influx in Pandan Perdana a public safety concern, says rep

 Teratai assemblyman Yew Jia Haur wants the Selangor government to address the matter before it leads to inter-community tensions.

Teratai assemblyman Yew Jia Haur said the rising number of homeless Rohingya in Pandan Perdana can no longer be treated as a mere social issue. (Facebook pic)

SHAH ALAM:

 Teratai assemblyman Yew Jia Haur has described the rising number of homeless Rohingya in Pandan Perdana as a serious public safety crisis that can no longer be treated as a mere social issue.

Debating a motion at the Selangor state assembly today, the DAP assemblyman said their presence over the past one to two years had affected cleanliness, safety, and the well-being of residents.

He claimed that some were living on sidewalks and in parking areas, and setting up illegal settlements between commercial buildings and recreational areas.

Others were also reported to have trespassed into vacant premises to use them as shelters without permission.

“What is unfortunate is that their presence is not just about seeking shelter. It has also caused various disturbances that test the patience of local residents,” he said.

“The issue of cleanliness has become a state concern, with rubbish being dumped indiscriminately, foul smell filling back lanes, and the reckless use of public facilities without regard for local sensitivities.”

Yew also said there were reports of aggressive behaviour and illegal activities.

He claimed that local residents faced difficulties lodging complaints with authorities such as the immigration and social welfare departments, with cases often ending without resolution as each agency cited jurisdictional limitations.

“To this day, no government agency appears to have taken decisive action to fully address this issue. It is as if we are passing the buck while residents of Pandan Perdana continue to suffer,” he said.

Yew said the issue had also affected property values, disrupted local businesses, and raised concerns about the safety of women and children.

He urged the state government to take proactive steps to address the matter before inter-community tensions arose due to enforcement failures.

He also questioned the actions of some UNHCR cardholders who, he alleged, used the document as a “shield” to live as homeless individuals in public areas.

He said UNHCR refugee status should not be used as a justification to violate local by-laws or trespass on public property.

Yesterday, another DAP assemblyman said foreign nationals residing in the Kesidang state constituency in Melaka, particularly Rohingya individuals, were not allowed to organise events or celebrations in open areas to avoid disputes or disturbances to local residents.

Kesidang assemblyman Allex Seah advised the Rohingya community who still wanted to host events in the area to do so at restaurants or halls.

He said a previous community event held by Rohingya residents at Kampung Limbongan caused discomfort and disrupted harmony among local residents because of the loud music and the presence of groups from outside the village. - FMT