The government's stand on the Rohingya is welcome, but it should go further and recognise the persecuted community as refugees and accord them the requisite treatment, said a NGO.

"If the government is serious in helping the Rohingya, it should start by recognising them as refugees and helping those who are on our very own doorstep.

"They should be provided with documents, basic humanitarian assistance, access to social services, a chance to work and educate their children, so that they can lead a semblance of a dignified life while they are in our country.

"If there are new boatloads of Rohingya arrivals, hopefully, the government will change its policy to match its rhetoric," said Lawyers for Liberty executive director Eric Paulsen in a statement.

Presently, he said, they are treated as undocumented migrants "and subjected to the harsh immigration laws and policies".

"Without valid documents, they are unable to work legally and live in perpetual fear of raids, arrest and harassment.

"Consequently, they live on the margins of society, constantly in hiding and living in poverty," said Paulsen.

He said amidst the past week's statements of support, the plight of the Rohingya was nothing new but had been going on "for decades".

"It was only last year that thousands of Rohingya got on rickety boats to escape Myanmar, only to be turned away by Indonesia (except Aceh), Thailand and Malaysia even though it was clear many of those on board were in dire need of emergency assistance.

"Hundreds, if not thousands perished at sea in order to reach us.

"Malaysia’s policy then was to offer food, water, fuel and medical assistance but prevented them from landing.

"Those who managed to land on Malaysian shores were detained at detention centres," said the human rights lawyer who has been championing the issue.

Paulsen said in addition to according official refugee status, Malaysia should also sign the 1951 UN convention relating to the status of refugees.

"So that Malaysia can have a more coherent refugee policy that is consistent with international standards, rather than the current haphazard approach, as exemplified by its selective recognition of Syrian refugees," he said.