Episode: KPN 16-09-2026

Malaysian Police warn public against taking action into their own hands over Rohingya issues

Malaysian police have urged members of the public and social-media influencers not to take enforcement into their own hands over issues involving Rohingya communities, calling on people to report concerns directly to the authorities instead of acting independently or based on emotion.

Bukit Aman Crime Prevention and Community Safety Department director Datuk Noor Hisam Nordin issued the warning on Monday after a ceremony marking the completion of the 22nd SUKSIS Corps Inspector Training at Universiti Malaysia Kelantan in Bachok.

His comments came in response to reports that several social-media influencers had entered Rohingya settlements to draw the authorities’ attention to the presence of Rohingya communities.

Police urge public to report concerns, not intervene

Noor Hisam said anyone who encounters an incident or has information requiring official attention should contact the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), Immigration Department or other relevant authorities.

“We have laws and regulations in place,” he said, warning that independent actions driven by emotion could have negative consequences.

He stressed that enforcement measures must be carried out by the responsible authorities under existing Malaysian laws and regulations.

“Do not take matters into your own hands. Leave it to the authorities to take the appropriate action,” Noor Hisam said.

Warning over provocative social-media content

The senior police official also expressed concern that individuals, including influencers, could cross legal boundaries when confronting issues involving Rohingya communities.

He advised Malaysians not to be influenced by provocative or negative messages circulating online about Rohingya, warning that such content and resulting actions could contribute to tensions and potentially affect public order.

The warning followed reported actions by several influencers who entered areas where Rohingya were living and publicized their presence in an effort to attract the attention of enforcement authorities.

Same law applies regardless of ethnicity or nationality

Noor Hisam emphasized that allegations of criminal activity should be handled through the authorities regardless of a person’s ethnicity, race, immigration background or citizenship.

He also rejected arguments that delays or perceived inaction by government agencies could justify members of the public taking independent action that violates the law.

The police official urged anyone with information about the locations of Rohingya communities to provide it directly to police rather than circulate it publicly in ways that could provoke tension.

Information given to police could then be assessed and any necessary action taken in accordance with existing laws and regulations, he said.

Rohingya issue draws heightened public attention in Malaysia

The warning comes amid heightened public and political attention surrounding the Rohingya population in Malaysia.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim subsequently also called on Malaysians not to attack, intimidate or humiliate Rohingya, while saying authorities should take action when laws are violated. He said the government was pursuing diplomatic efforts concerning the Rohingya issue with Myanmar.

Noor Hisam’s remarks focused on maintaining public order and ensuring that allegations or concerns involving Rohingya are dealt with through established law-enforcement channels rather than through private intervention.

For Rohingya communities, the police warning comes amid growing attention on social media to their presence and immigration status in Malaysia, making official calls against provocative or vigilante-style action particularly significant.

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