UN High Commissioner for Refugees Ruud Lubbers has earlier

UN High Commissioner for Refugees Ruud Lubbers has earlier voiced concern to Malaysia over its plans to expel the asylum seekers, including women and children, who fled Aceh.

In a statement Thursday, Lubbers said the plans outlined in "persistent reports" ran counter to assurances provided by the Malaysian authorities, according to which the asylum seekers "would not be returned to a situation which could endanger their lives and well-being".

A UNHCR delegation is due in Kuala Lumpur next week to discuss the asylum situation.