Syrian conflict: First group of Syrians arrives in M'sia

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.