Malaysia has called for the support of the Group of Eight Developing Countries (D-8) for immediate relief on the ground in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh where more than 500,000 Rohingyas who fled their country, are currently seeking refuge.

Relating his experience in visiting a Rohingya refugee camp in Kutupalong at Cox's Bazar earlier this week, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the Rohingya refugees were living in dire straits.

"We call upon D-8 member states to render assistance in whatever way they can to alleviate the sufferings of the Rohingyas.

"In this regard, I commend Bangladesh for its noble efforts in providing shelter to the Rohingya refugees," he said today, when delivering the country's statement at the D-8 Summit here.

Themed 'Expanding Opportunities through Cooperation', the summit marks the 20th anniversary of D-8 since its establishment in 1997.

Ahmad Zahid also said that Malaysia would set up a 50-bed field hospital in Cox'z Bazaar to enable more refugees to receive better healthcare, adding the hospital would be operational within a month of his visit.

He said to tackle the (Rohingya) issue, the Myanmar Government must also allow unimpeded access for humanitarian assistance to reach those in crisis zones.

"We believe the implementation of the recommendations in the Report of the Rakhine Advisory Commission relating to the socio-economic development aspects would improve the socio-economic situation of the Rohingya community.

"However, this is only possible if there is political stability," noted the Deputy Prime Minister.

Ahmad Zahid also urged the D-8 member countries to work together to chart strategic directions to maximise the potential of the tourism industry.

"Malaysia is of the view that we should give greater emphasis and invest more in the tourism sector. We should invest in better infrastructure and improve connectivity as tourism and its multiplier effect can bring economic benefits to D-8 countries.

"D-8 countries have a rich cultural and historical heritage. Our diverse geographical attractions have the potential to make us the preferred tourist destinations," he said.

He added Malaysia had benefited from tourism, which was now the second highest revenue earner for the country, bringing in an estimated US$19.5 billion last year.

"The income generated from tourism has contributed to diversifying Malaysia's economy while providing economic opportunities for its people."

Ahmad Zahid said, in recognising the potential, Malaysia would be organising the second D-8 Tourism Ministers Meeting in Kuala Lumpur next year from April 10 to 13.

"We hope to bring together all eight D-8 Ministers of Tourism to deliberate and discuss a comprehensive tourism strategy and road map to enhance this important sector.

Established on June 15, 1997, the D-8 is an organisation for development cooperation which comprises Turkey, Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Nigeria, Pakistan and Malaysia.

-- BERNAMA