Burma has turned down humanitarian assistance offered by Malaysia for strife-torn Rakhine State, a senior Malaysian official said today.

Foreign Minister Anifah Aman said he conveyed Malaysia’s offer of humanitarian assistance yesterday to his Burmese counterpart Wunna Maung Lwin, but it was rejected.

“According to His Excellency Wunna Maung Lwin, the situation in Rakhine has been brought under control and therefore the need for assistance from other Asean member states did not arise at this moment,” Anifah said in a statement, referring to the Association of South-East Asian Nations.

“Nevertheless, the foreign minister in expressing his appreciation indicated that Malaysia would be approached should there be a need for assistance,” he added.

At least 50 people have died and an estimated 90,000 displaced in sectarian clashes which erupted early this month between Muslims of the ethnic Rohingya community and Rakhine Buddhists.

- dpa