Malaysia's efforts to help Syrians saw the arrival of the first batch of eight people from two families from the strife-torn country at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) here today.
The group arrived at 4.50pm from Istanbul, Turkey, on a Turkish Airlines flight and was greeted by Deputy Home Minister Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed and two members of immigrant families who have been working here since 2012.
Speaking to reporters afterwards, Nur Jazlan said the group's arrival from the Idlib district was the result of an initiative by two members of their families, Mohamed Ibrahim and Ali Abdul Naser, who sent a personal request to the Malaysian government through the Special Task Force which handles the entry of Syrian citizens.
"For immigrants with passports, the government will give a temporary visit pass as a form of protection for them until the documentation process is completed.
"This move is in keeping with the promise made by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak to help solve the problems of the people of that country which is still in a turbulent state," he said.
Last October, the Prime Minister announced at the 70th session of the United Nations Assembly that Malaysia would open its doors to 3,000 Syrian refugees within the next three years to help in the refugee crisis besetting Syria.
According to Najib, Muslim nations were partly responsible for the welfare of the Syrians who were fleeing their country in huge numbers, resulting in economic and social strain on Europe.
While expressing his hope that more Syrian nationals who were here would submit applications for their family members to be brought in, Nur Jazlan said the government through the Special Task Force headed by the ministry was also willing to consider applications submitted through non-governmental organisations as well as the Malaysian embassies in Syria's neighbouring countries.
"However, in this matter, we have to be cautious because other than bureaucratic issues, there are security aspects which must be given close attention," he said.
Nur Jazlan also stressed that the immigrants today were allowed to enter the country after considering Mohamed and Ali's ability to provide a home and support their family since they had been working here for a long time.
Meanwhile, Mohamed's younger brother, Hosam, 24, who was part of the group of immigrants who arrived today, said he and three other siblings had to live in a room after their home was destroyed in the civil war back home.
"I am very grateful and happy that I finally arrived here safely," he said, his words translated by Mohamad.
On his part, Ali, 30, who described Malaysia as his second home, also expressed his gratitude to the government for approving his application for four of his family members to be brought here within a month after he applied.
"Thank you to the Malaysian government for speeding up my application...also to the people of this country who are very concerned," Ali, a hairstylist, said.
Bernama
Tue Dec 08 2015
The group arrived at 4.50pm from Istanbul, Turkey, on a Turkish Airlines flight and was greeted by Deputy Home Minister Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohame. - Foto Astro AWANI / SHAHIR OMAR
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
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.