KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's Rohingya refugee situation is a "ticking time bomb" that could develop into a much bigger social and political problem if the country fails to take firm action, Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman warned.

He said Malaysia had shown compassion by accepting refugees over the years, but the country could not be expected to shoulder a disproportionate burden indefinitely.

"The Rohingya issue in Malaysia is a ticking time bomb. But this bomb has already been exploding year after year.

"If we are not firm and fair in taking action, it will lead to even greater problems and consequences, not only for the country's political landscape but also for Malaysia's social fabric as a whole," he said.