**Title: Malaysian Foreign Minister Calls for Review of UNHCR’s Presence Amid Rohingya Detentions**
**Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia** – Malaysia's Foreign Minister, Mohamad Hasan, has urged a reconsideration of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) operations in the country unless stricter controls are implemented regarding the issuance of refugee documents. His comments, reported by state media on July 28, 2026, follow the recent detention of over 100 Rohingya asylum seekers who had gathered outside the UNHCR office in Kuala Lumpur seeking assistance after being evicted from their homes in Penang.
Hasan emphasized the need for cooperation between the UNHCR and Malaysian authorities in the refugee screening process. He stated that the Ministry of Home Affairs is working to ensure that both parties collaborate effectively when issuing documentation to refugees. “We want cooperation and strict screening. If they do not want to cooperate, in my opinion, it is time for us to reconsider the presence of UNHCR in the country so that we do not continue to be burdened,” he remarked.
The minister's remarks come at a time when Malaysia, which is not a signatory to the UN refugee convention, has been a refuge for many Rohingya fleeing persecution in Myanmar. As of the end of February, approximately 126,000 Rohingya were registered with the UNHCR in Malaysia. However, the situation for these refugees has become increasingly precarious, with rising scrutiny and harassment fueled by online hate speech and misinformation.
The UNHCR has responded to the recent detentions, stating that it is working with Malaysian authorities to protect the Rohingya individuals and verify their documentation. The agency confirmed that efforts are underway to transfer the detained individuals to alternative accommodation, with a police official noting that all those detained possessed valid UNHCR documentation. They are expected to be temporarily sheltered at the Kuala Lumpur police headquarters.
Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, have expressed concern over the treatment of Rohingya asylum seekers in Malaysia. The organization criticized the Malaysian government's approach, stating, “Malaysia cannot build a credible refugee protection system while simultaneously treating refugees as people to be rounded up, detained, and removed.” They further emphasized that refugees and asylum seekers should be treated with dignity and in accordance with their human rights, highlighting the need for protection for these vulnerable populations.
The Rohingya community has faced significant challenges in Malaysia, where they often encounter discrimination and limited access to basic services. The recent comments from the foreign minister and the detentions of asylum seekers underscore the ongoing tensions surrounding refugee policies in the country. As Malaysia navigates its approach to the UNHCR and the treatment of refugees, the situation remains fluid, with implications for the future of Rohingya individuals seeking safety and support within its borders.