KUALA LUMPUR — The government will not tolerate any group of refugees that violates Malaysian laws, disrupts public order or attempts to occupy areas without permission, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said.
He said enforcement agencies, including the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), Immigration Department and local authorities, had been directed to take firm action against any party found breaching the law, Bernama reported.
Anwar was commenting on the gathering of hundreds of Rohingya refugees outside the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) office at Jalan Bukit Petaling here today, where he stressed that all individuals in the country must respect existing laws and regulations.
“They (the refugees) have disrupted traffic. We have to be firm. This country has rules and laws. They cannot simply choose to occupy any area in the city.
“That is why I have instructed the Immigration Department, police and city hall to take firm action. Those without permits must be referred to the Immigration, while those with documents must be given a warning. Otherwise, legal action will be taken,” he told reporters after officiating the closing of the International Wakaf Dakwah Convention 2026 here.
Anwar said the government recognised that some refugees were seeking protection from UNHCR, but stressed that their actions must not inconvenience local communities or compromise public safety.
“I understand that they are trying to seek protection from UNHCR, but they cannot just enter areas as they please. There are rules in this country, and we cannot allow this to happen to the extent that it disrupts the safety of local residents,” he said.
Hundreds of Rohingya refugees gathered outside the UNHCR office after reportedly travelling to Kuala Lumpur early this morning on three buses from Penang. – July 27, 2026