The End Of The Journey Of 4 Rohingya Refugee Women, Fleeed From Medan To Malaysia But Ran Aground In Riau

Illustration-Dozens of Rohingya ethnic immigrants from Myanmar are stranded on the small island of Kuala Simpang Ulim Village, East Aceh (Photo: ANTARA)

RIAU - Bengkalis Immigration Officers, Riau Province, detained four women from Myanmar citizens from the Rohingya ethnicity (Rohingya refugees) who tried to flee to Malaysia.

Head of the Immigration Division of the Regional Office of the Ministry of Law and Human Rights of Riau Province, M Tito Adrianto, said the four women had been secured to the Bengkalis Immigration Office for further return to Medan, North Sumatra.

"The four women have been living in refugee camps in Medan City and have refugee cards issued by UNHCR," Tito said in his statement in Pekanbaru, Antara, Monday, August 2.

The refugees were secured by officers on Thursday, July 29 when they were about to cross to Malaysia using a speedboat.

The four refugees, he said, would go to Malaysia illegally from the Medan area. While in the waters of Pasir Putih Beach, Putri Sembilan Village, North Rupat District, Bengkalis Regency, their presence was identified by the Riau Police Satpolairud officer.

"Incidentally their ship was damaged, and the officers finally secured them to be handed over to the Immigration Office," said Tito.

The four Myanmar citizens are Sobika Begum, Ayesha Bibi, Hajera Bibi, and Norbaha. All three had UNHCR refugee cards, while one other admitted that he had lost his card while in India.

The officers also secured a number of evidences from the thwarting operation, including a speedboat, a cellphone, a sling bag, a jacket and a number of clothes.

From this incident, he said, currently officers are tightening the supervision of sea lanes to avoid any refugees crossing the Bengkalis waters.