The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) says it is continuously monitoring the movement of foreign nationals, including members of the Rohingya community, throughout Terengganu, warning that anyone found breaking the law will face legal action regardless of nationality.
Terengganu Police Chief Datuk Mohd Khairi Khairudin said issues involving foreign nationals, including the Rohingya community, are not confined to the state but form part of a broader national concern that is being addressed by the government.
“We are not remaining idle. Action will be taken against any foreign national found to have violated the law,” he said after officiating the Town Hall Question and Answer Programme on Neighbourhood Safety at Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA).
Mohd Khairi pointed to a recent case in which police arrested a Rohingya man over a fatal traffic accident involving a motorcyclist in Marang earlier this month, saying it demonstrated that enforcement action is taken whenever offences are committed.
Also present at the event were UniSZA Deputy Vice-Chancellor Associate Professor Datuk Dr Mohd Hafiz Yusoff @ Che Abdullah and Kuala Terengganu District Police Chief Assistant Commissioner Azli Mohd Noor.
Commenting on videos circulating on social media showing activities involving foreign nationals, including Rohingya individuals, Mohd Khairi urged the public to verify information through reliable and official channels.
He stressed that the issue should not be exploited to provoke public sentiment, reminding the public that it is a national matter rather than one limited to Terengganu.
The police chief also warned members of the public against taking matters into their own hands by confronting or assaulting foreign nationals, as such actions could threaten public order.
As an example, he said two local residents were recently investigated after allegedly injuring a foreign man in an incident that occurred earlier this month.
Mohd Khairi added that individuals who spread misleading or inflammatory content relating to foreign nationals in a manner that could cause public alarm may face legal action under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
