DHAKA: Singapore foreign minister K Shanmugam called on Asean to play a more active role in dealing with the problem, adding that the East Asia Summit (EAS) is a good platform to do so.

This comes after Malaysia and Indonesia offered, on Wednesday, to provide temporary shelter to the migrants. The two countries had, along with Thailand, called on the international community to contribute the necessary support needed to address the Rohingya issue.

Shanmugam said Singapore has offered US$200,000 to relief efforts.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said the initial sum, given through Asean, will support the region’s efforts in helping the refugees. Singapore may offer more help if there are specific requests, the ministry added.

Shanmugam said the Rohingya issue had to be tackled on two levels.

‘One, the people already in the boat, how do we help them.’

But the more fundamental issue, he said, is to deal with the conditions in Myanmar and the criminal organizations involved in trafficking.

BDST: 1215 HRS, MAY 24, 2015
RR