KUALA LUMPUR — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has reminded Rohingya refugees in Malaysia to comply with local laws and regulations, warning that authorities will take firm action against those who break the rules.
He said that while Malaysia continues to adopt a humanitarian approach towards refugees, they remain subject to the country’s legal framework, including regulations governing the use of premises and business operations, Bernama reported.
“(My) Advice to the people of Myanmar, especially the Rohingya, they must also comply with the regulations in our country. Their buildings, their businesses, must follow the rules… and if they do not comply, we will have to take action,” he told reporters after performing Friday prayers at Masjid Al-Hidayah in Sentul today.
Anwar said enforcement issues involving Rohingya refugees had also been discussed during a Cabinet meeting with Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail to ensure legal action is carried out consistently.
He also urged local authorities and state governments to play a more proactive role in monitoring misconduct and the misuse of premises involving the refugee community.
Responding to calls for Rohingya refugees to be repatriated, Anwar said the situation remains a complex humanitarian issue, as efforts to return them to Myanmar or resettle them in third countries continue to face significant obstacles.
“People can talk about sending them back, but where do we send them back to? We have problems with the Myanmar government which is preventing this. So, in my two rounds of negotiations with Myanmar’s leadership, I requested two things.
“First, that the aid we provide is guaranteed to benefit everyone, and this was agreed upon. Second, stop the oppression and crimes against the people of Myanmar, Muslims and non-Muslims alike, in Rakhine and throughout Myanmar,” he said.
The Prime Minister also urged Malaysians to uphold humanitarian values and refrain from taking matters into their own hands, stressing that the issue should be handled by the authorities.
“I hope our people, especially members of the Muslim community who are protesting, will preserve our sense of humanity and not violate rules and laws in addressing this issue,” he said.
The remarks come a day after Deputy Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay described the influx and unauthorised settlement of Rohingya refugees in Malaysia as a “malady” that requires urgent attention from multiple stakeholders.
Speaking at a press conference after the Hospital Visit Programme held in conjunction with the 219th Police Day celebrations in Cheras, Ayob Khan said the refugee issue has persisted for years and cannot be addressed by enforcement agencies alone.
According to local media reports, Malaysia was hosting 219,472 United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) cardholders as of April. Of that number, 197,591 were Myanmar nationals, including 128,200 Rohingya.
“Of that number, 197,591 UNHCR cardholders are Myanmar nationals, with 128,200 of them being Rohingya,” he said.
Ayob said tackling the issue cannot be left solely to the Royal Malaysia Police, the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency or the Immigration Department, noting that illegal entry involves multiple enforcement layers from maritime borders to inland operations.
“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.
He added that enforcement operations against illegal settlements, including those involving Rohingya refugees, remain ongoing. A recent operation at Flat Rancangan Sungai Tekali in Hulu Langat resulted in 42 arrests.
“The Kajang District Police Chief also issued a statement regarding this on June 9,” he said.
Commenting on proposals to establish a Rohingya settlement centre on an island near the Andaman Sea, Ayob Khan said several practical issues must first be resolved.
“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.
He warned that a dedicated transit centre could become a “pull factor” for human smuggling syndicates seeking to exploit the arrangement.
Ayob Khan also said the police would continue strengthening cooperation with Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia through corporate social responsibility programmes, including a recent initiative that provided treatment chairs for children.
“For us, the value of the contribution is secondary; the relationship between the police and the community is more important,” he added. – June 12, 2026