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Malaysia expresses concern over illegal immigrant influx

Xinhua, May 15, 2015 Adjust font size:

Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak on Friday expressed "concern" over recent influx of illegal immigrants.

"I am very concerned with the plight of migrants in our region, some of whom have already reached our shores and still others who are trying," Najib said in a statement.

"This is an issue of international and regional importance. We are in contact with all relevant parties, with whom we share the desire to find a solution to this crisis." He added.

Najib said Malaysia's Foreign Ministry and National Security Council are taking necessary actions, stressing that Malaysia remains committed to fight against human trafficking.

In a separate statement, Malaysian Foreign Minister Anifah Aman said Malaysia will hold a meeting with relevant countries including Myanmar, Thailand, Indonesia and Bangladesh.

As Malaysia holds the chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) this year, Anifah said the 10- nation bloc is seeking joint action, including working towards adopting the ASEAN Convention on Trafficking in Persons.

Malaysia police said 1,018 illegal migrants landed on Malaysia' s northern resort island of Langkawi this week, comprising 555 Bangladeshis and 463 Myanmar citizens.

Many other illegal immigrants are believed to be stranded at sea, but Malaysia said it would not allow any boats carrying them to enter Malaysian waters. Endi