KUALA LUMPUR — The low rate of third-country resettlement by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is among the key factors behind the prolonged presence of refugees, including the Rohingya, within local communities.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said that while UNHCR is tasked with two core responsibilities — registering refugees and securing resettlement in third countries — the number of refugee cards issued far exceeds successful placements abroad, Bernama reported.
He said this imbalance has resulted in Malaysia continuing to shoulder the impact of the situation, with many refugees remaining in the country while awaiting uncertain resettlement opportunities.
“UNHCR’s core responsibility is to register refugees and then find a third country for resettlement. However, the number of successful third-country placements is far lower than the number of UNHCR cards issued by the agency itself. As a result, while waiting to be resettled, these refugees remain within local communities,” he said.
Saifuddin said this in response to the ‘Kempen Tangkap Rohingya’ (Catch Rohingya Campaign) circulating on social media, after attending the Drug-Free Aspirations Tour (JABD) 2026 programme.
He said the growing public debate on the issue reflects legitimate concerns, given its implications on the country’s economic, security and social environment.
However, he stressed that refugees must be distinguished from undocumented migrants, noting that refugees are typically displaced due to conflict and other push factors in their home countries, whereas undocumented migrants fall under the Immigration Act.
To strengthen enforcement and address security concerns, he said the government is conducting its own data collection exercise and will no longer rely solely on UNHCR figures.
“Once we have our own data, we can take enforcement action should any of them violate the country’s laws. They remain subject to domestic laws, and firm action will be taken against those who breach the country’s regulations,” he said.
He added that the issue is long-standing and rejected attempts to place full responsibility on the current administration for the presence of a large refugee population.
Saifuddin said the government remains committed to managing the matter through a balance of security considerations and humanitarian principles, while also welcoming constructive input from academics and civil society groups. — June 13, 2026