Rohingya ethnic issue: People should remain calm, police are investigating - Ismail Sabri

All parties are asked to remain calm and give the authorities an opportunity to investigate all issues related to the Rohingya refugees, said Senior Minister of Defense Datuk Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

Responding to media inquiries on the issue, he said the current situation, especially the negative sentiment towards the ethnic group, was surprising as it had never happened before.

“This is a shock to the authorities especially to the police as there has been a lot of news on social media that has angered them.

“The police are investigating this matter because some consider the video and audio recordings (about allegations and claims made by ethnic groups in the country) to be false or untrue.

"No one can determine the authenticity of this video except for the police," he told a daily media conference here on Monday.

Previously, video clips, audio and news on social media have affected Rohingya refugees, including allegations that they have made specific demands, which has angered some people.

"So, the police are now investigating the video, audio and all news related to the Rohingya refugees," he said.

However, Ismail Sabri said the arrival of Rohingya refugees to the country was not new but had not raised any issues with them.

“But lately, under the Movement Control Order (MCO), the issue has blown up. Before this, the issue did not arise because the arrival of the Rohingya refugees is a source of sympathy for us as we have heard them being brutally murdered, burned alive and so on.

“To all the people, please calm down and do not raise issues that provoke anger and trigger something that is not wanted.

"Malaysia is a peaceful and well-known country that is very considerate to anyone who is here on Malaysian soil," he added.