Registration of Myanmar refugees: Second phase to start soon

The Malaysian government is set to commence the second phase of the Refugee Registration Document (DPP) programme soon, focusing on United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) cardholders who are not currently held at Immigration Detention Depots (DTIs). Deputy Prime Minister Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi confirmed that the current phase of the programme is already underway, targeting those at DTIs.

The government is also examining the possibility of imposing movement controls on these groups, taking into account national security, sovereignty concerns, and human rights considerations. The National Security Council, Prime Minister's Department, is collaborating with various ministries and agencies to gather feedback and develop appropriate measures to address refugee issues in Malaysia.

Zahid revealed that refugees have been entering the country through syndicates at land and sea borders, rather than through authorized or gazetted International Entry Points. He emphasized that the government is intensifying efforts to strengthen National Security Council Directive No. 23, which outlines the policy and mechanism for managing refugees and asylum seekers (2023 Revision), signed by the prime minister on June 14, 2023.

The implementation of the DPP, alongside coordinated operations by security agencies, enforcement bodies, and local authorities, is expected to help prevent negative influences on existing communities, including gang-related activities.

Responding to Shahidan Kassim's question regarding the government's actions to address Myanmar refugees allegedly involved in gang-related activities, particularly at Selayang Market, Zahid stated that the government is taking measures to prevent the exploitation of the community.