Tensions as locals confront Rohingya refugees in Penang low-cost flats

A tense two-hour meeting between local residents and Rohingya refugees took place at the Sri Bagan low-cost flats in Bagan Dalam, Penang, yesterday.

At the heart of the meeting was an attempt to stop the refugees from allegedly taking opportunities and facilities away from locals and breaking the law.

The meeting at the flats’ parking lot had been demanded by local NGOs Penang Surplus Welfare Association (Surplus) and Raudatul Huda Training Centre, who corralled the refugees who were staying at the flats to come down.

Speaking with a raised voice, Surplus chairperson Mohd Sophian Mohd Zain grilled the Rohingyas - who said they...