Refugees, online scams among Dewan Rakyat focus next week

KUALA LUMPUR: During the upcoming Dewan Rakyat session, several key issues are slated to be discussed, including Rohingya refugees, cybercrime, haze, and public health concerns. Lim Lip Eng (PH-Kepong) will seek information on the current number of Rohingya refugees in Malaysia and those repatriated to Myanmar this year. He aims to understand how they entered the country and which agencies are responsible for entry-related lapses.

Additionally, Lim will inquire about the long-term strategy for managing Rohingya refugees after the suspension of third-country resettlement efforts, including resettlement targets and cooperation with UNHCR and third countries.

Datuk Muhammad Bakhtiar Wan Chik (PH-Balik Pulau) will ask the Home Minister to outline long-term mechanisms for managing Rohingya refugees in Malaysia, including resettlement targets and cooperation with UNHCR and third countries. Azahari Hasan (PN-Padang Rengas) will focus on the Home Ministry's monitoring and enforcement mechanisms for Rohingya refugees to prevent misuse for criminal activities or threats to public safety.

Ismail Sabri Yaakob (BN-Bera) will inquire about the government's long-term strategy for managing refugees and asylum seekers, as well as the verification of identities through the Refugee Registration Document (DPP).

Rushdan Rusmi (PN-Padang Besar) will request an update on the digital mapping of the Malaysia-Thailand border in Perlis, highlighting illegal crossing routes, high-risk areas, security gaps, and locations needing immediate intervention. He will also ask about the existence of an integrated geospatial database for controlled access.

Dr Halimah Ali (PN-Kapar) will seek measures to strengthen the police force, focusing on the number and expertise of investigators, technology, digital forensics, and powers needed to tackle complex crimes like cybercrime and financial fraud.

Muhammad Fawwaz Mohamad Jan (PN-Permatang Pauh) will ask the Home Minister about the causes of online scam losses reaching RM3.8 billion, the low recovery rate for victims, and efforts to rescue Malaysians who have fallen victim to fake job offers. Mohd Hasnizan Harun (PN-Hulu Selangor) will also inquire about the number of online scam cases and losses recorded in 2026, as well as the government's plans to hold banks, telecommunications companies, and digital platforms accountable when system weaknesses contribute to scams.

The Health Ministry will be scrutinized during this week's Dewan Rakyat sitting, with questions expected on Malaysia's public health challenges. Datuk Dr Zulkafperi Hanapi (PN-Tanjong Karang) will ask about the timeline for introducing a sustainable national health financing framework to reduce reliance on annual allocations and address rising treatment costs.