KL police deny detaining 113 refugees, say they were moved for documentation

Kuala Lumpur police have refuted claims that 113 refugees, predominantly from the Rohingya ethnic group, were detained following a gathering outside the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) office on July 29. Police Commissioner Datuk Fadil Marsus clarified that the individuals were temporarily relocated to the Dataran Wira at the Kuala Lumpur Contingent Police Headquarters for documentation.

Fadil emphasized that all individuals were subsequently released once the documentation process was finalized. He stated, "We certainly would not arbitrarily detain them." His remarks were in response to an international news portal's report alleging the detention of these individuals. The report also highlighted UNHCR's concerns regarding hate speech, misinformation, and inhumane narratives targeting the Rohingya and other refugees, which could incite discrimination and unfair treatment.

The police's statement aims to correct the narrative presented by the international portal, asserting that the relocation was a procedural step for documentation and not an act of detention. This clarification comes amid broader concerns raised by UNHCR about the potential for increased hostility and prejudice against refugee communities.

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All of them were then released after all documentation processes were completed. Of course, we would not arbitrarily detain them.