Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari has disclosed that some local residents are actively protecting illegal immigrants, including members of the Rohingya community, which is complicating state enforcement efforts. During a state legislative assembly session, Amirudin highlighted that this collusion between locals and immigrant groups has become a significant barrier to authorities attempting to manage illegal settlements. He emphasized that enforcement actions should not only target the immigrants themselves but also the local individuals who exploit their vulnerable situations for personal gain.
Amirudin pointed to specific practices, such as locals subletting business licenses, offering employment, and providing shelter to undocumented individuals, as key factors that allow these communities to remain and survive in the state. He noted that in some instances, such as in the Hulu Langat district, the Rohingya community has been able to pay substantial fines, suggesting they are receiving financial or logistical support from local elements. The state government has been monitoring these areas, with records showing over 9,500 Rohingya individuals residing in the Hulu Langat district alone.
Furthermore, the Menteri Besar clarified the status of United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) cards held by many in the community. He stressed that these cards are issued by the UN agency, not the Malaysian government, and do not grant holders the legal right to conduct business, own assets, or reside permanently in the country. As the state continues to address illegal settlements, officials maintain that enforcement is based on land-use regulations and administrative compliance rather than the nationality of the occupants. The state government has pledged to continue monitoring the situation and taking necessary legal action against unauthorized structures.