KUALA LUMPUR – The influx and unauthorised settlement of Rohingya in Malaysia has been described as a “malady” requiring urgent attention from multiple stakeholders.
Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Tan Sri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay, said the refugee issue is longstanding. As of April, Malaysia hosts 219,472 UNHCR cardholders, of whom 197,591 are Myanmar nationals and 128,200 belong to the Rohingya community, local media reported.
“Of that number, 197,591 UNHCR cardholders are Myanmar nationals, with 128,200 of them being Rohingya,” he said at a press conference following the Hospital Visit Programme in conjunction with the 219th Police Day celebrations in Cheras today.
Ayob Khan emphasised that addressing the Rohingya situation cannot fall solely on the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency, or the Immigration Department. He noted that illegal entry involves multiple enforcement layers, from waters to landfall.
“Police are the final link in this chain. From a security and crime perspective, we will take action if they are involved in any offence.
“However, when they are apprehended and penalised, questions arise about where they will be deported. That is why this issue requires cooperation from all parties, including the source countries and other relevant nations,” he said, as quoted by Kosmo.
Operations targeting illegal settlements, including those involving Rohingya, are ongoing. Ayob Khan cited a recent crackdown at Flat Rancangan Sungai Tekali, Hulu Langat, which resulted in 42 arrests. “The Kajang District Police Chief also issued a statement regarding this on June 9,” he said.
On proposals to establish a Rohingya settlement centre on an island near the Andaman Sea, he stressed that several factors need careful evaluation.
“If such a centre is created, who will manage it? Who will fund it? After screening, where will they be resettled? Will a third country accept them? These are among the main questions that need answers before implementing such a proposal,” he said, warning that a dedicated transit centre could become a “pull factor” exploited by human smuggling syndicates.
Ayob Khan also noted that PDRM continues to strengthen ties with Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia through corporate social responsibility initiatives. The latest programme provided treatment chairs for children, with plans to continue such efforts.
“For us, the value of the contribution is secondary; the relationship between the police and the community is more important,” he added.
Meanwhile, Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari highlighted ongoing enforcement measures against illegal structures occupied by Rohingya in Kampung Baru Sungai Makau, Mukim Ulu Langat, following social media attention.
“For the record, action and enforcement against structures built without approval in the area are not new. Various measures have been taken since 2016, including the issuance of warning notices, compounds, integrated operations, investigations and enforcement action by the Hulu Langat District and Land Office (PDT), Kajang Municipal Council (MPKj), Selangor Water Management Authority (LUAS), Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), the Immigration Department, as well as demolition operations,” he said in a Facebook post.
Amirudin added that the state government will continue monitoring the area and enforce laws as necessary. He urged the public to rely on verified information from authorities and disregard misleading social media content.
Hulu Langat District and Land Office clarified that the multi-storey residential building sits mostly on privately owned land, with a minor portion on a road reserve. Several illegal structures had been erected on this land and an adjoining river reserve, previously occupied by Rohingya. Notices of unlawful occupation were issued in 2017, 2020, 2021, and March 13, 2025, under Section 425 of the National Land Code.
Joint demolition operations have involved LUAS, PDRM, MPKj, the Public Works Department (JKR), Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB), and the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (JPS). The Immigration Department also took part in a joint operation on February 28, 2025, resulting in the detention of 42 foreigners suspected of immigration offences.
The district office reaffirmed its commitment to enforce laws against illegal land occupation. – June 11, 2026