Archive · 27 Jul 2026
Malaysia detains Rohingya refugees seeking UNHCR shelter
More than 100 Rohingya refugees, including women and children, were detained by Malaysian authorities after they gathered outside the UNHCR office in Kuala Lumpur seeking protection and resettlement assistance.
The refugees claimed they were evicted from their homes in Penang due to rising online hate speech and misinformation targeting the Rohingya community.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim stated that those without proper permits would be detained.
The UNHCR expressed concern over the increasing hate speech and discrimination against Rohingya and other refugees in Malaysia.
Malaysian authorities detained over 100 Rohingya refugees seeking shelter at the UNHCR office in Kuala Lumpur.
The refugees, including women and children, were evicted from their homes in Penang and traveled to Kuala Lumpur overnight.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim warned that those without proper permits would be detained.
The UNHCR expressed concern over rising online hate speech and discrimination against Rohingya refugees.
Around 126,000 Rohingya Muslims are registered with the UNHCR in Malaysia, though many more remain undocumented.
- Who
- Rohingya Muslim asylum seekers, including women and children, and Malaysian authorities
- What
- Malaysian authorities detained over 100 Rohingya refugees seeking shelter at the UNHCR office in Kuala Lumpur
- When
- Monday evening, July 27, 2023
- Where
- Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Why
- The refugees were evicted from their homes in Penang and sought assistance from the UNHCR, while Malaysian authorities cited public concerns and lack of proper permits for their detention
Rohingya Refugees
Malaysian Authorities
Eviction and Detention
Rohingya Refugees
Rohingya refugees claim they were evicted from their homes and seek protection and resettlement assistance from the UNHCR.
Malaysian Authorities
Malaysian authorities detained the refugees for not having proper permits, citing public concerns and illegal occupation of city space.
Online Hate Speech
Rohingya Refugees
Rohingya refugees are victims of rising online hate speech and misinformation, leading to harassment and discrimination.
Malaysian Authorities
Malaysian authorities have not directly addressed the issue of online hate speech but have taken action against the refugees gathering outside the UNHCR.
- Number of Detained Refugees
- Over 100
- Location of Detention
- Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Time of Detention
- Around 8:30 p.m. local time (1230 GMT)
- UNHCR Registered Rohingya in Malaysia
- 126,000 (as of February 2023)
- Malaysian Prime Minister
- Anwar Ibrahim
- Rohingya Refugee Representative
- Syed Kasim