The Malaysian government is moving to establish a national mechanism to manage refugees and asylum seekers, aiming to reduce reliance on foreign entities. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi announced that this initiative, guided by the National Security Council (NSC) Directive No. 23, will focus on improving policy coordination, enforcement, and the delivery of social services. By creating a centralized system, the government intends to better monitor the more than 219,000 refugees and asylum seekers currently registered in the country.
This shift follows the implementation of the Refugee Registration Document (DPP) programme, which collects biometric data to create a more accurate database of individuals seeking protection. Officials emphasize that this move is designed to balance humanitarian responsibilities with national security and sovereignty. The government plans to provide eligible refugees with structured access to healthcare, education, and employment opportunities in sectors facing labor shortages, such as manufacturing and agriculture.
Currently, Malaysia is not a party to the 1951 Refugee Convention, meaning refugees often exist in a legal grey area without formal status under domestic law. The new mechanism aims to address this by defining clear roles for various ministries and agencies. Authorities have noted that the current reliance on data provided by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has created challenges in oversight, prompting the government to take a more direct role in registration and monitoring.
Moving forward, the government intends to use this data to facilitate three primary outcomes: voluntary repatriation, resettlement in third countries, or deportation for those who violate local laws. While the initiative is intended to streamline administration, its success will depend on inter-agency cooperation and the government's ability to effectively integrate these individuals into the workforce while maintaining public order. The public will be watching to see how the government balances these security-focused measures with the practical needs of the refugee population.