Episode: KPN 19-06-2026

Up to 8,000 Rohingya refugees previously resettled abroad each year – Malaysian Police Chief

Between 7,000 and 8,000 Rohingya refugees were previously resettled annually to third countries through government-to-government arrangements, but the process has largely stalled in recent years due to various constraints, Malaysia’s Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Tan Sri Mohd Khalid Ismail said.

Speaking to reporters after launching the “Perangi Scam: Dua Pasukan, Satu Matlamat” programme, Khalid said Malaysia had long participated in international efforts to provide temporary refuge for Rohingya fleeing conflict and persecution in Myanmar.

According to him, Malaysia worked with several countries under bilateral arrangements that allowed Rohingya refugees to stay temporarily in the country before being relocated to third countries that required labour or professional workers.

“Malaysia has government-to-government arrangements with several countries that facilitate the temporary accommodation of Rohingya refugees before they are resettled in third countries,” Khalid said.

“However, in recent years, various constraints have affected the resettlement process, resulting in a significant slowdown and creating new challenges that require the attention of all stakeholders.”

Humanitarian Considerations and National Security

Khalid emphasized that Malaysia continues to approach the Rohingya issue from a humanitarian perspective while maintaining strict enforcement of national laws and security measures.

“The root causes of the Rohingya crisis lie in the political and security situation in Myanmar. Malaysia accepts their presence on humanitarian grounds,” he said.

“At the same time, everyone residing in Malaysia must comply with the country’s laws and regulations. Any individual who commits an offence will be subject to legal action regardless of nationality.”

More Than 215,000 Rohingya Registered with UNHCR

According to Malaysian authorities, approximately 215,000 Rohingya refugees are currently registered with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Malaysia.

Khalid said law enforcement agencies work closely with the Immigration Department and maintain records of Rohingya refugees to facilitate monitoring and public safety measures.

“We know where they are located and what occupations they are engaged in. This helps authorities respond more effectively whenever incidents occur,” he said.

Low Crime Rate Among Rohingya Community

Addressing public concerns about crime, Khalid said the involvement of Rohingya refugees in criminal activities remains relatively low.

Police data showed that 89 Rohingya individuals were linked to criminal cases between 2024 and 2026, accounting for only 0.02 percent of overall crime statistics nationwide.

He urged the public to avoid making statements that could negatively affect social harmony or public order, stressing that enforcement actions are based on evidence and legal procedures rather than nationality or ethnicity.

Resettlement Delays Contribute to Prolonged Stay

Earlier this month, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said slow third-country resettlement processes coordinated by UNHCR were among the reasons many refugees, including Rohingya, continue to remain in Malaysian communities for extended periods.

Humanitarian organizations have repeatedly noted that third-country resettlement remains one of the key durable solutions available for refugees who cannot safely return to their countries of origin.

Hundreds Arrested in Selangor Cases

Meanwhile, Selangor Police Chief Datuk Shazeli Kahar reported that authorities recorded 192 criminal cases involving 300 Rohingya arrests between 2025 and May 2026.

The cases included both violent crimes and property-related offences.

Shazeli stressed that police operations were conducted consistently and professionally, rather than being influenced by public sentiment or political pressure.

“Police continue to work closely with strategic partners, including the Immigration Department and local authorities, through information sharing and integrated enforcement operations,” he said.

According to Shazeli, six joint enforcement operations were conducted across Selangor in 2025 to address issues involving undocumented migrants and illegal settlements.

He added that discussions are ongoing with local authorities regarding further legal action against unauthorized settlements in accordance with existing laws and regulations.

Malaysia remains one of the largest host countries for Rohingya refugees in Southeast Asia, accommodating hundreds of thousands of displaced people who fled persecution, conflict and instability in Myanmar.

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