Archive · 27 Jul 2026
Malaysia PM Orders Action Against Rohingya Refugees
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has ordered strict action against Rohingya refugees who gathered in front of the UNHCR office in Kuala Lumpur.
The refugees, many of whom are without proper permits, are seeking help with resettlement.
The government says it needs to enforce the law to maintain order and address concerns from local residents.
Meanwhile, the UNHCR is worried about increasing hate speech and discrimination against the Rohingya, who are fleeing persecution in Myanmar.
Malaysia, which is not a signatory to the UN refugee convention, has traditionally been a safe haven for Rohingya but has seen rising tensions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim ordered action against Rohingya refugees gathered in front of the UNHCR office in Kuala Lumpur.
Hundreds of Rohingya refugees were evicted from their homes in northern Penang state and traveled to Kuala Lumpur seeking resettlement assistance.
The UNHCR reports there are about 215,600 refugees and asylum-seekers registered in Malaysia, with over half being Rohingya Muslims from Myanmar.
Anwar directed immigration, police, and local authorities to detain those without permits and warn others of potential action.
The UNHCR expressed concern over rising hate speech and disinformation targeting Rohingya and other refugees in Malaysia.
- Who
- Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Rohingya refugees
- What
- Government ordered action against Rohingya refugees gathered in front of UNHCR office
- When
- July 27, 2024
- Where
- Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Why
- To enforce immigration laws and address local concerns, while refugees seek resettlement assistance
Government's Enforcement
Rohingya Refugees' Plight
Legal Enforcement
Government's Enforcement
The Malaysian government is enforcing immigration laws to maintain order and address local concerns.
Rohingya Refugees' Plight
Rohingya refugees are seeking assistance and protection from the UNHCR due to lack of legal status and rising hate speech.
Public Safety
Government's Enforcement
The government argues that strict enforcement is necessary to prevent unauthorized gatherings and ensure public safety.
Rohingya Refugees' Plight
Refugees argue that they are fleeing persecution and need international protection, facing severe consequences if returned to Myanmar.
- Number of Refugees
- 215,600 registered with UNHCR in Malaysia
- Primary Refugee Group
- Rohingya Muslims from Myanmar
- Location of Incident
- Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Date of Incident
- July 27, 2024
- Government Action
- Detention of refugees without proper permits
- UNHCR Concern
- Rising hate speech and disinformation targeting Rohingya