Malaysia to Take Firm Action Against Undocumented Rohingya Refugees

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Monday affirmed that his government is taking firm action against undocumented Rohingya refugees in the country. “I have instructed the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), the Immigration Department of Malaysia, and all relevant agencies to take firm action in accordance with legal provisions to control the situation and ensure public order is maintained,” he said. Anwar stated he had observed a group of Rohingya refugees gathering in front of the UNHCR office in Kuala Lumpur. He stressed that Malaysia is a sovereign nation, and therefore, every individual in the country must comply with the applicable laws. “Any individual found not to have valid travel documents or permits will be subject to action in accordance with the law, including being placed in an Immigration Depot while further processes are carried out,” Anwar explained. According to UNHCR data, as of the end of February 2026, there were approximately 215,600 refugees and asylum seekers registered with the UNHCR in Malaysia. A total of 193,824 individuals are from Myanmar, comprising around 126,144 Rohingya, 15,774 Chin, and 33,002 from other ethnic groups from conflict-affected areas or fleeing persecution in Myanmar. The remainder consists of about 21,776 refugees and asylum seekers from more than 50 countries fleeing war and persecution, including approximately 5,760 Pakistanis, 3,193 Yemenis, 2,945 Somalis, 2,931 Afghans, 2,471 Syrians, 1,043 Sri Lankans, 514 Palestinians, 420 Iraqis, and others.