The Kedah state government may hold formal talks with NGO 7 Sanaabil International over its proposal to establish a school in Langkawi for Rohingya refugees.

"By the grace of God, a school and a community will be developed in Langkawi for the Rohingya and other communities," 7 Sanaabil International president Ya'akob Wan Harun told a press conference today.

The plan to develop the school, should it materialise, will reflect Malaysia’s "proactive" stand on dealing with the crisis in Rakhine, he claimed.

The crisis has affected 160,000 people in Rakhine state, who are caught in the crossfire of clashes between the Myanmar military and the Rohingya community.

The United Nations Refugee Agency estimates that at least 59,100 Rohingya are seeking refuge in Malaysia.

Currently, Rohingya in Malaysia only attend community schools where they learn about religion, the Malay language, and other basic literacy skills. It is understood that they are not allowed to study in public or private schools.

In light of this, when asked if ensuring the project's legality would be a concern, Ya'akob told Malaysiakini he would meet with the Kedah government within the next three months to sort out the matter.

He added that other issues, such as the "other communities" who will attend the institution and the syllabus to be used, will also be discussed with state authorities.

Ya'akob made the announcement during a press conference held by a group of NGOs in Kuala Lumpur, in which they requested Putrajaya impose economic sanctions on Myanmar if it continues to be “passive” towards the violence occurring in the Rakhine state.