KOTA BHARU - The growing presence of the Rohingya community in several settlements across the state has unsettled local residents, who claim the group has been involved in a range of social issues including poor sanitation, unlicensed vehicle use, land encroachment and public disturbance.
A Sinar Harian survey at several locations identified as Rohingya settlement hotspots found that most locals do not object to their presence on humanitarian grounds, but are calling on authorities to take firmer action to manage the community's growth and address longstanding complaints.
Kampung Padang Lembik resident Mohamad Ismail, 49, claimed that among the most common grievances is the practice of some Rohingya individuals catching villagers' chickens without permission, farming on others' land without consent and making noise that disturbs the neighbourhood.
The civil servant added that some had even approached local residents to borrow money.
"At first only one or two came, but over time their numbers grew and they formed their own cluster.
"Most of them are Muslim and can speak Malay, though not fluently. Some hold UNHCR cards and are believed to play a role in bringing their family members or acquaintances into the area," he said.
Mohamad also flagged concerns over unlicensed motorcycle use, saying it posed a road safety risk.
Meanwhile, Pangkal Pisang Federal Village Development and Security Committee (JPKKP) chairman Nik Mohd Hasmawi Nik Hasan said the Rohingya community in Kampung Kubang Tin is believed to number in the hundreds, with most earning a living by collecting scrap metal and recyclable materials.
He said the village's proximity to a recycling factory was a key factor drawing the community to settle and work there, though he noted that no serious criminal cases involving the community had been recorded in the area to date.
Nik Mohd Hasmawi said the Rohingya community there has developed its own ecosystem, including a madrasah, coffee shop and community school, while also offering construction labour services at rates lower than local workers.
He said this indicated the community was growing and putting down roots in certain areas, giving rise to various perceptions and concerns among locals.
At the same time, he called on the relevant authorities to carry out more thorough monitoring to ensure the issues raised could be addressed without compromising social harmony or the humanitarian considerations owed to refugees.