A Saudi expert on security matters said providing education and health care, as well as employment opportunities to the Burmese community will go a long way in reducing the crime rate in Makkah.
“Priority should be given to improving the basic conditions of the community because a good number of them do not even possess identity papers, which in turn, deprives them of schooling and access to health services. This dire situation has led some members of the community to engage in criminal activities such as stealing and other crimes,” Maj. Gen. Yahya Al-Zayedi ,former director of Makkah Police, said in a recent statement.
Burmese people, the second largest community in Makkah, live in underdeveloped neighborhoods such as Al-Kedwah, Kudai, Al-Nakkasa, Al-Kankaria, Khalidiah-1 and Al-Zuhur in the Misfalah area.
He said the rapid population growth of this community in the past decade has exacerbated the situation and has led to the development of unplanned neighborhoods. Now, there is a pressing need for restructuring the entire area, he added.
Help must be extended to this community, said Al-Zayedi, as it will yield great results. He also called for an accurate study on the living situation of the Burmese community, including a database and finger-printing system.
This will help in identifying the culprits among the community, while the rest should be provided with hygienic housing and other amenities.
The retired officer also commended Makkah Gov. Prince Khaled Al-Faisal’s efforts in uplifting the community and developing the poor neighborhoods.
It has been reported earlier that government agencies have started compiling a statistical study, as a preliminary step to issue residential permits that will allow the Burmese community to look for jobs legally.
Better living conditions for Burmese advocated
