PM directs authorities to act against Rohingya families camped outside UNHCR office

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has directed enforcement agencies to take firm action against a group of Rohingya refugees who had gathered outside the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) office in Kuala Lumpur today.

The group, which included young children, had reportedly resorted to camping in front of the UN refugee agency’s office today after they were allegedly driven out by locals from their settlement in Penang.

Anwar affirmed that every individual in Malaysia must comply with its existing laws as a sovereign nation.

“They are gathering near the UNHCR office and disrupting traffic. We must be firm - this country has rules and laws.

“They cannot simply choose to occupy any part of the city,” Anwar told reporters after an event at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre today.

“I have directed the police, the Immigration Department, and all relevant agencies to take firm action - those who do not have permits must be dragged to immigration (depots), while those found with valid permits must be issued a warning.”

READ MORE: UNHCR cardholders not above law, says Saifuddin

According to Harian Metro, the group had rented three buses headed for Kuala Lumpur after fearing for their personal safety due to supposed threats from residents.

“I don't know why they chased us out; they didn't give much time to leave, so we all just brought what we could.

“All our belongings were left there (in Penang),” one Rohingya national, known as Rizuan, 28, was quoted as saying.

“I have lived there for 14 years. Before this, there was no problem. I don't know what happened that made them angry.

“I also rented a house with Malaysians. Maybe one or two people (Rohingya) caused trouble and we all have to bear it,” he lamented.

The man, who travelled with his pregnant wife, added that the group has not been informed of any developments from UNHCR or any related agencies.

They also said they may continue camping in the area, which was overseen by police personnel, until they could locate a more suitable location.

‘Obey local laws’

Anwar said that while he understands that the refugees are seeking protection from the UNHCR, the group must still obey local laws to avoid causing anxieties to the public and threatening the safety of local communities.

“We cannot allow them to occupy any place in this country at will without respecting the law,” Anwar stressed.

The prime minister also posted a clip of his remarks on his social media pages.

In a statement, Seberang Perai Utara police chief Anuar Abdul Rahman said the relocation of the 121 refugees was carried out voluntarily and coordinated by various government agencies.

He detailed that police were informed yesterday of the group's travels to Kuala Lumpur after they were moved from the former Penaga tsunami site in Kuala Muda, Kepala Batas.

Expedite resettlement

Last month, Malaysian Humanitarian Aid and Relief (Mahar) urged the UNHCR to expedite the resettlement of Rohingya refugees in Malaysia, stressing that the country is only a transit nation and not a permanent resettlement destination.

Mahar noted that since Malaysia is not a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention, the responsibility for resettling refugees in third countries lies with the UNHCR, whose efforts the group said should be carried out more swiftly and aggressively.

The call came amid increased hate campaigns against the persecuted community, who have been exiled from their native Rakhine state in Myanmar by force, with some online comments demanding that they now be “chased out” of Malaysia.

READ MORE: What's behind the latest hate campaign against Rohingya?

The surge in online hostility against the community also led to former foreign minister Saifuddin Abdullah pressing the Home Ministry to present a ministerial statement in Parliament on Putrajaya’s refugee policy.

READ MORE: COMMENT | Anti-Rohingya hate campaign not harmless, authorities must act

On July 23, Deputy Foreign Minister Lukanisman Awang Sauni told the Dewan Negara that Putrajaya has directed the UNHCR to temporarily halt all refugee registrations pending a restructuring of the government’s management system via the Refugee Registration Document (DPP) programme.

UNHCR cardholders not above law, says Saifuddin

COMMENT | Without legal recognition, registered refugees still risk arrest, whipping

PARLIAMENT | MP: Allow Rohingya refugees to work; group protests planned changes to plant variety law

COMMENT | Will govt's refugee registration initiative provide protection?

'Stop genocide, help us return home', Rohingya group's plea to Anwar, Asean