{
  "id": 16685432,
  "title": "Govt compiling refugee data through registration programme",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/27/govt-compiling-refugee-data-through-registration-programme",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-27T01:16:56.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2026/10/1564393/govt-compiling-refugee-data-through-registration-programme"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Malaysian government is currently gathering data on refugee communities throughout the country via the Refugee Registration Document (DPP) programme. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi announced that the initial phase concentrates on refugees detained in immigration facilities. Zahid mentioned that the programme is anticipated to commence its second phase shortly, encompassing UNHCR card holders outside these facilities.\n\nThe government's objective for this data collection is to facilitate the management, coordination, and monitoring of the temporary stay of this community in Malaysia until they are transferred to a third country or return to their countries of origin, Dr. Zahid stated in a written parliamentary response. He was answering Mohd Sany Hamzan (PH-Hulu Langat) who questioned the government's position regarding international organizations operating in Malaysia, including UNHCR, which allegedly failed to cooperate as expected and denied sharing refugee data.\n\nDr. Zahid emphasized that international organizations serve as a crucial platform for cooperation and knowledge exchange to tackle transnational issues that individual nations cannot manage alone. He added that they also help enhance Malaysia's capacity and alleviate the strain of handling humanitarian concerns. Currently, the government requires UNHCR's assistance in facilitating the resettlement of refugees to third countries, as those countries rely on UNHCR cards to verify refugees and confirm their status.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR: The government is collecting data on refugee communities nationwide through the Refugee Registration Document (DPP) programme.",
  "key_points": [
    "Malaysian government compiling refugee data via DPP programme.",
    "First phase focuses on refugees in immigration facilities.",
    "Second phase to include UNHCR card holders outside facilities."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Centralizing refugee information through this registration programme allows the state to assert greater control over migrant movements while attempting to bridge data gaps with international humanitarian organizations.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}