Malaysia to accept 3,000 Syrian refugees

According to Malaysian media, Prime Minister Najib Razak declared that as a Muslim country, Malaysia will not turn its back on Syrian refugees and will open its doors to 3,000 people in the next 3 years.

Speaking at the 70th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on October 1, Mr. Najib said Muslim countries had a part to play in the unfortunate Syrians fleeing the country, causing economic and social pressure in Europe.

Syrian children migrate with their families. Photo: Occupy.com

An estimated 4 million Syrian refugees have fled to neighboring countries in the past four years and are struggling with hardship and poverty.

Malaysia is among the few Muslim countries that are taking the lead in efforts to support Syrian refugees in addition to providing tents for refugees from other countries.

Meanwhile, Malaysia's Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the government's decision to accept 3,000 Syrian refugees was made on humanitarian grounds and Malaysia's concern for the desperate plight of war victims.

Syrian refugees will be provided with temporary accommodation, access to education and temporary employment opportunities. The Ministry of Home Affairs will issue special identity cards with security features to the refugees during their stay in Malaysia.

According to Vietnam+