Malaysia welcomes second batch of Syrian refugees

SHAH ALAM: Malaysia has received the second batch of Syrian migrants out of a total of 3,000, that the government has assured to be allowed into the country.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the second batch however only saw 68 people arriving from the initial 150 targeted.
"Today, the second batch of Syrian refugees had arrived here. We targeted 150 people but only 68 people had passed all the screenings and documentation," Ahmad Zahid told the media during a press conference after he personally welcomed the refugees upon their arrival at the Royal Malaysian Air Force Subang airbase, here, today.
Zahid, who is also Home Minister said the government are working together with several NGOs to manage their stay here.
The refugees which comprise of 18 families will be placed in a condominium at Setia Alam.
"Their stay here in the country is temporary as they are given a temporary visiting pass," he said.
It is learnt that the second batch of Syrians are from the Bekaa Valley refugee camp in Lebanon.
The chartered flight who ferries the refugees arrived at about 11.20am, today.
Zahid stressed that the government is committed to help Syrians who are seeking asylum in the country.
To date, the government has spend RM2 million under the Syria Migrant Placement program and targets to bring in 500 Syrians by the end of the year.The first batch, which comprises of eight people had arrived in Malaysia in September, last year.
Zahid added the third batch is expected to arrive during the fasting month which will begin next week.