Singapore to offer S$267,000 to support countries providing help to Rohingyas

SINGAPORE — The Singapore Government will offer an initial contribution of US$200,000 (S$267,000) through ASEAN to support the efforts of countries that have been providing help to the Rohingyas, said Foreign Affairs Minister K Shanmugam today (May 23).

The Government “is prepared to consider further assistance if there are specific requests”, according to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA). It said the Government “notes with concern the situation concerning irregular migration in the Indian Ocean”.

“We welcome the outcomes of the Ministerial Meeting on Irregular Movement of People in Southeast Asia, held on 20 May 2015 in Putrajaya, between Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand, in particular Malaysia and Indonesia’s agreement to offer these irregular migrants temporary shelter,” said MFA.

MFA added that the Singapore Government also noted the call by Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand for the international community to contribute support to them, in addressing the issue.

Over the past week, countries such as Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia have provided shelter to Rohingya refugees who have landed on their shores. Food and medical aid were also provided.

Up to 2,000 migrants are thought to be stranded in the Bay of Bengal, many at risk of falling victim to people smugglers. Most are Muslim Rohingyas from the western Rakhine state in Myanmar.

United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has said finding and saving the lives of those migrants should be a “top priority”. CHANNEL NEWSASIA