Archive · 29 Jul 2026
Malaysia Releases 109 Rohingya Refugees After Detention
Malaysian authorities released 109 Rohingya refugees who were detained earlier this week.
The refugees were held after they gathered outside the UNHCR office in Kuala Lumpur to seek help.
They were sent to different places in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, and Penang states based on their contacts and relatives.
Malaysia is not part of the UN refugee convention but is seen as a safe place for Rohingya fleeing Myanmar.
The refugees had valid UNHCR documents, but Malaysia's foreign minister wants stricter controls on issuing these documents.
The refugees have faced more harassment recently due to online hate speech.
109 Rohingya refugees were released from detention in Kuala Lumpur.
They were detained after gathering outside the UNHCR office to seek assistance.
The refugees were sent to various locations based on their contacts and relatives.
Malaysia is not a signatory to the UN refugee convention but is a safe haven for Rohingya.
Malaysia's foreign minister called for stricter controls on UNHCR documentation.
- Who
- 109 Rohingya refugees and Malaysian authorities
- What
- Release of detained Rohingya refugees
- When
- July 29
- Where
- Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Why
- Refugees were released after a review of their documentation
Human Rights Advocates
Malaysian Government
UNHCR Documentation Validity
Human Rights Advocates
The refugees possessed valid UNHCR documentation, which should have prevented their detention.
Malaysian Government
The government is concerned about the validity and control of UNHCR documentation issued to asylum seekers.
- Number of Refugees Released
- 109
- Location of Detention
- Kuala Lumpur police headquarters
- Reason for Detention
- Gathered outside UNHCR office to seek assistance
- Destinations After Release
- Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, and Penang states
- Malaysia's Status on UN Refugee Convention
- Not a signatory