Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and Myanmar should jointly discuss the issue of Rohingya refugees and how to solve the issue, former foreign minister Syed Hamid Albar said today.

"In this case the source of our problems is Myanmar. Let us sit down together," Syed Hamid told reporters after the opening ceremony of the 2nd Malaysia International Bus, Truck and Components Expo (MIBTC) 2015 in Kuala Lumpur today.

Syed Hamid ( right ) officiated the event in his current capacity as chairperson of the Land Public Transport Commission (Spad).

Three days ago, a group of Rohingya and Bangladeshi refugees were detained by Malaysian police after they arrived in Langkawi in three boats.

Stateless Rohingya Muslims have been fleeing violence and poverty in Myanmar since 2012 and often end up being trafficked into Thailand.

'Treat this as a humanitarian crisis'

Syed Hamid said Malaysia must treat this as a humanitarian crisis and that the refugees should be allowed to land first before the authorities try to find a solution for them.

"Malaysia has always been a country that's been very humane in its approach to human tragedies and crises," he said.

He also voiced his concern for the lives of the refugees as they travelled in boats.

"If we wait for the vessels to capsize, then I am worried that the children, women, and old people will die," Syed Hamid said.

He expressed that this cannot be allowed to go on.

Asked if this issue should be brought up at the next Asean summit in November, he said that is too far in the future.

He suggested that immediate action is taken and that Malaysia, as current chairperson of Asean, could be in the position to do it.

"I would like to see my country continue to play the role that it's always been playing," Syed Hamid added.

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