Malaysia Considers Reassessing UNHCR's Role Amid Calls for Stricter Refugee Screening

Malaysia is contemplating a reevaluation of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) presence in the country if the agency does not collaborate on implementing a stringent screening process for refugee applicants. Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, commonly known as Tok Mat, expressed concerns that the current UNHCR operations may be attracting an increasing number of refugees, particularly from the Rohingya community, to Malaysia. He emphasized the necessity for a cooperative approach to ensure thorough screening before issuing refugee cards. The Home Ministry is working on a mechanism to ensure that the screening process is carried out jointly by UNHCR and local authorities before any refugee card is issued to any individual. This matter was also raised at a Cabinet Committee meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who called for the Host Country Agreement to be expedited to set guidelines and stricter controls on the issuance of UNHCR cards. If UNHCR is unwilling to cooperate, Malaysia may reconsider the agency's presence in the country to prevent further burdens. The government is also working on a mechanism to ensure that the screening process is carried out jointly by UNHCR and local authorities before any refugee card is issued to any individual. This issue was raised at a Cabinet Committee meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who called for the Host Country Agreement to be expedited to set guidelines and stricter controls on the issuance of UNHCR cards. The UNHCR office in Malaysia has been a focal point for refugees, especially the Rohingya ethnic group, leading to concerns about the adequacy of the current screening procedures. The government is seeking to balance humanitarian considerations with national security and public order, aiming to safeguard the country's peace and security while addressing the needs of refugees. The situation remains dynamic, and further developments are expected as discussions between Malaysia and UNHCR continue.