KUALA LUMPUR: Oct 6, 2026 — Malaysia is reviewing the role of the United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) in domestic refugee management. The move follows calls by Opposition Leader Datuk Hamzah Zainudin for the Home Ministry (KDN) to take full control of the refugee registration system through the Refugee Registration Document (DPP) programme.
Hamzah questioned how UNHCR issues refugee identity cards independently, even though Malaysia is not a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention. He said the proliferation of such documents posed problems for the country. He urged that the registration system be fully taken over by KDN.
Responding to the issue during Minister’s Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat, Prime Minister Datuk Anwar Ibrahim agreed that Malaysia should be given absolute authority to manage domestic refugee affairs. Wisma Putra, he said, is reviewing UNHCR’s role to gradually reduce dependence on the agency, in line with building the capacity of local agencies.
Anwar also clarified that no Rohingya were involved in the first phase of the repatriation of 1,476 Myanmar refugees on Sept 29. He said this in reply to a question from Pulai MP Suhaizan Kaiat. The issue was raised following public concern over claims of the presence of Rohingya communities that could pose national security risks.
Anwar said all the repatriated refugees comprised Rakhine, Karen and Shan ethnic communities. He gave assurances that the process was carried out voluntarily and with their own consent. The list of names was verified by Myanmar authorities before they were taken aboard the country’s navy ships.
The next phase of repatriation involving the remaining 5,000 refugees will continue to be studied. This includes diplomatic discussions between Anwar and Myanmar junta leader General Min Aung Hlaing in the near future.
