Syrian refugees brought into the country are required to undergo security screening to ensure they are not Daish terrorists or involved in militant activities, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
He said the screening would be carried out through the Advance Passenger Screening System (APSS) with the cooperation of Interpol and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
"We are taking this move to check the background of the refugees concerned to see if they are directly, or indirectly, involved, for example as Daish terrorists," he told reporters after launching the Malaysia MAD Velocifero mini electric scooter here today.
He was asked on measures taken by the government to ensure the Syrian refugees in the country were not members of the Daish militant group.
In October last year, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, when addressing the 70th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, announced that Malaysia would open its doors to 3,000 Syrian migrants over the next three years to help with its refugee crisis.
Ahmad Zahid, who is also Home Minister, said five Syrian refugee families had been brought into the country under the first phase and the government was now in the process of bringing the second group of Syrian migrants.
"We will give priority to Syrian students in Malaysia who want to bring their families here, families of Syrian workers working in Malaysia, like chef in restaurants, and families of professionals, like medical doctors and those in the field of engineering," he added.
On the decision to bring in 1.5 million Bangladeshi workers to Malaysia, Ahmad Zahid reiterated that it was a decision made based on market demand.
The government was only accommodating the needs of employers, he added.
"It is not because the government wants to collect levy or to reduce employment opportunity for the Malaysian people, but in certain sectors, the Malaysian people do not want to work, like in plantation and construction," he added.
Bernama
Sat Feb 13 2016
Ahmad Zahid said said the screening would be carried out through the Advance Passenger Screening System (APSS) with the cooperation of Interpol and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). - Filepic
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.