Malaysian navy on look out for Rohingya illegal immigrants - Abdul Aziz

The Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) will step up surveillance in border areas to monitor and block the entry of ships or boats carrying Rohingya illegal immigrants from entering Malaysian waters to avoid social and security problems.

Navy chief Admiral Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Jaafar said navy personnel would be carrying surveillance in the northern part of the country believed to be used by illegal immigrants to enter the country.

"We have mobilised four assets to the border areas, namely the KD Laksamana Tun Abdul Jamil, KD Kelantan, KD Selangor and KD Mahawangsa.

"We will tell them to return to their country of origin to maintain security in our country. We are prepared to assist them at sea especially with food assistance, as well as other forms of contributions provided by Mercy Malaysia and other non-governmental organisations for the refugees," he said.

He was speaking at the opening of a seminar on boosting professionalism of non-commissioned officers (NCO) at the Lumut Naval Base here, Monday.

A total of 200 RMN warrant officers are attending the seminar held annually to enhance the achievement of RMN mission and vision.

Abdul Aziz said NCO is the backbone unit of RMN in supporting the operation of machinery as well as the smooth running of the administration and management and the control of subordinates.

"NCOs are encouraged to attend various career and expertise courses offered each year so that they could discharge their duties smoothly and effectively, apart from becoming more marketable when they leave the service later.

RMN has been opening opportunities to all levels of personnel to improve their level of education through programmes such as K-Force as well as full-time and part-time courses," he said.