Malaysian foreign minister calls for review of UNHCR’s presence

Malaysia's Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan has publicly questioned the operational framework of the United Nations refugee agency in the country, citing concerns about document issuance procedures. His remarks came after Malaysian authorities detained more than 100 Rohingya asylum seekers who had gathered at UNHCR premises in Kuala Lumpur following their eviction from homes in Penang state. The foreign minister indicated that Malaysia's Ministry of Home Affairs is working to establish joint screening procedures between UNHCR and local authorities for refugee documentation.

Hasan expressed frustration with what he characterized as an overly permissive system, noting that the UNHCR office allows online applications from applicants' home countries and issues refugee cards upon arrival in Malaysia. He stated that without stricter cooperation and screening measures, Malaysia should reconsider whether to continue hosting the UNHCR. According to state news agency Bernama, Hasan said the country should not continue bearing the burden of what he views as inadequate controls.

The UNHCR responded by stating it was working with authorities to protect the detained Rohingya and verify their documentation, with efforts underway to transfer them to alternative accommodation. Police officials confirmed that all detained individuals possessed valid UNHCR documentation and would be temporarily sheltered at Kuala Lumpur police headquarters. Malaysia hosts approximately 126,000 registered Rohingya, though the country is not a signatory to the UN refugee convention.

Human rights organizations have criticized the detention. Amnesty International's Malaysia branch stated that Malaysia cannot establish a credible refugee protection system while simultaneously detaining and removing refugees, emphasizing that such individuals require dignified treatment and human rights protections.