Malaysian authorities detain over 100 Rohingya outside UNHCR office

Published Jul 28, 05:03 AM UTC

Malaysian authorities detained more than 100 Rohingya Muslim asylum seekers outside the UNHCR office in Kuala Lumpur on June 12, 2023, after they were reportedly driven out of a settlement in Penang. The group, including 110 Rohingya with valid UNHCR documents, was transferred to police headquarters. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim directed police and immigration to take firm action, stating no one has the right to take over any part of the city. The incident occurs amid rising public hostility and online hate speech against Rohingya refugees, including a petition with over half a million signatures calling for their removal. Malaysia does not recognize Rohingya as refugees and has tightened immigration enforcement. Last week, Malaysia ordered UNHCR to temporarily stop registering new refugees as it launches its own asylum-seeker management system. At least nine Rohingya schools have been forced to close nationwide due to harassment and abuse.