The government is considering entering into an agreement with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) regarding its role and responsibilities in the country.
This was announced by Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (above) after chairing the Refugee and Asylum Seekers Committee Meeting today.
In a statement today, he said the government intends to strengthen its role in managing refugees and asylum seekers.
This would be done by establishing committees and taskforces, involving government agencies to determine the status of refugees, streamlining the enforcement of laws on refugees and asylum seekers, and providing social support to refugees that are registered with the government.
“The government will provide periodic updates on the enforcement of these improvements.
“The role of involvement of the government entities, the UNHCR and NGOs in the nation as well as abroad regarding the management of refugees and asylum seekers needs to be coordinated and streamlined.
“Emphasis will be placed on efficient management and enforcement mechanisms, welfare and social policies while guaranteeing the security and sovereignty of the country,” Zahid said.
The deputy prime minister also stressed that the government will take strict action against anyone conspiring with human trafficking agents to smuggle refugees and asylum seekers into the country.
There are currently 185,760 refugees with UNHCR card holders in Malaysia.
Of this figure, 83 percent (160,332) were from Myanmar, with 107,433 being Rohingyas.
Zahid also said that other nationalities of refugees were Pakistanis (7,109), Yemenis (3,466), Afghans (3,444), Somalians (3,161), and Syrians (3,161). - Mkini
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