Malaysia condemns the escalation of violence in the northern Rakhine State over the past months resulting in the loss of innocent lives and displacement of people.

In a statement today, the Foreign Ministry calls on all parties involved in the recent violence to refrain from taking any actions which would aggravate the situation further.

"Malaysia also calls on the Government of Myanmar to take all necessary actions to address the alleged ethnic cleansing in the northern Rakhine State," the ministry said.

It added that the Ambassador of Myanmar will be summoned to convey Malaysia’s concern over this issue.

The statement also added that Foreign Minister Anifah Aman will meet Myanmar State Counsellor and Foreign Minister Aung San Suu Kyi at the earliest possible date.