Malaysia's foreign minister suggested reviewing the UN refugee agency's presence due to a lack of cooperation in controlling refugee document issuance. This follows the detention and subsequent release of over 100 Rohingya asylum seekers.
The situation highlights the complex challenges Malaysia faces in managing its Rohingya refugee population and its relationship with international humanitarian organizations, potentially impacting regional refugee policies and UNHCR operations.
Malaysia's foreign minister, Mohamad Hasan, has suggested the country should reconsider allowing the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) to operate domestically, citing a lack of cooperation in imposing stricter controls on refugee document issuance. His remarks followed the detention of over 100 Rohingya asylum seekers who had gathered outside the UNHCR's Kuala Lumpur office seeking assistance after being evicted from their homes.
Hasan stated that the government desires cooperation and strict screening for refugee documentation. He indicated that if UNHCR does not cooperate, it may be time to reconsider its presence to avoid further burdening Malaysia. He also suggested the UNHCR office attracts more refugees, including Rohingya Muslims.
The UNHCR office in Kuala Lumpur confirmed it was collaborating with authorities to protect the detained Rohingya and verify their documentation, facilitating their transfer to alternative accommodation. According to Bernama, citing a police official, the detained Rohingya all possessed valid UNHCR documentation and were temporarily sheltered at the Kuala Lumpur police headquarters.
Malaysia, a Muslim-majority nation, has historically provided refuge to Rohingya fleeing persecution in Myanmar. However, it is not a signatory to the UN refugee convention and officially classifies asylum seekers as illegal migrants. As of late February, approximately 126,000 Rohingya Muslims were registered with the UNHCR in Malaysia.