Deputy Home Minister Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed said that both families were the first Syrians seeking safety in Malaysia.
He said that this is also part of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak's promise in September to help 3,000 Syrian refugees.
"Our first concern was safety and everyone seeking refuge would be thoroughly examined before they are allowed to travel here," Nur Jazlan said.
He added that the Syrians working in Malaysia can apply to the Home Ministry and the task force comprising the Foreign Affairs Ministry and Prime Minister's Department.
"Special passes will be issued to the refugees if they do not have valid documents".
"Those working in Malaysia can be guarantors for their family members," he said, adding that the eight who just arrived here were classified as migrants for the time being.
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PL-41/MNA