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Malaysia Lacks Exact Data on Rohingya Refugee Numbers
🇲🇾 Malaysia /Disasters & Emergencies

Malaysia Lacks Exact Data on Rohingya Refugee Numbers

From Utusan Malaysia · () Malay

Translated from Malay, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement Context piece
  • Malaysia's Immigration Department lacks specific data on the total number of Rohingya refugees in the country.
  • However, 5,814 Rohingya ethnic Myanmar nationals were recorded in immigration depots nationwide as of June 10.
  • The recorded figures include 4,012 adult males and 885 females.

The Malaysian Immigration Department has stated it does not possess specific data regarding the total number of Rohingya refugees residing within the country. This lack of precise figures highlights a challenge in tracking the refugee population.

Despite the absence of comprehensive data, the department did report that as of June 10, a total of 5,814 Myanmar nationals of Rohingya ethnicity were recorded in immigration depots across Malaysia. This figure provides a partial, albeit significant, snapshot of the Rohingya presence.

Breaking down the recorded numbers, the data indicates that 4,012 of those detained were adult males, while 885 were females. The remaining individuals would comprise children and other demographics not specified in the provided figures. The department's statement, issued by Director-General Datuk Zakaria Shaaban, underscores the complexities in managing and accounting for refugee populations within national borders.

There is no specific data regarding the total number of Rohingya refugees in the country.

— Datuk Zakaria ShaabanStating the Immigration Department's lack of precise figures on the Rohingya population in Malaysia.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Utusan Malaysia in Malay. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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