Key facts
- Rohingya refugee schools in Malaysia are facing closures due to threats and hate speech.
- Hundreds of Rohingya refugees were allegedly evicted from their homes in Penang state.
- Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim ordered action against Rohingya refugees gathered at the UN refugee agency office.
- Over 100 Rohingya Muslim asylum seekers were detained outside the UNHCR in Kuala Lumpur.
- Police cited economic and territorial competition and rising online hate speech as reasons for the detentions.
Malaysian authorities detained over 100 Rohingya Muslim asylum seekers outside the UNHCR in Kuala Lumpur after they were evicted from their homes in Penang. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim ordered action against the refugees, stating that those without proper permits would be detained. The detentions follow alleged evictions from homes in Penang, prompting the refugees to seek assistance from the UNHCR in the capital. This action occurs amid a reported surge in online hate speech and misinformation targeting the Rohingya community, which has led to increased harassment and school closures. According to the UNHCR, over half of the approximately 215,600 refugees and asylum-seekers registered in Malaysia are ethnic Rohingya Muslims. Prime Minister Anwar stressed the need for strict law enforcement, asserting that no one has the right to occupy city spaces without permits. Malaysia, while not a signatory to the UN refugee convention and classifying asylum-seekers as illegal migrants, has historically provided refuge to Rohingya fleeing persecution, though public sentiment has shifted due to concerns about job competition and cultural differences.