Singapore to offer $267,000 to support countries providing help to Rohingyas
PUBLISHED ONMay 23, 2015 12:40 PM
Singapore will make an initial contribution of US$200,000 (S$267,000) through ASEAN to support the efforts by Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand to offer the irregular migrants temporary shelter by the three countries,
A statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said: "The Singapore Government notes with concern the situation concerning irregular migration in the Indian Ocean.
"We welcome the outcomes of the Ministerial Meeting on Irregular Movement of People in Southeast Asia, held on 20 May 2015 in Putrajaya, between Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand, in particular Malaysia and Indonesia's agreement to offer these irregular migrants temporary shelter.
"The Singapore Government also notes the call by Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand for the international community to contribute the necessary support to them in addressing the problem.
"In this regard, Singapore will make an initial contribution of US$200,000 through ASEAN to support such efforts by the three countries.
"The Singapore Government is prepared to consider further assistance if there are specific requests."
More than 3,500 migrants have swum to shore or been rescued off the coasts of Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and Bangladesh since a Thai crackdown in early May on human-trafficking threw the illicit trade into chaos, reported AFP.
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