Malaysia releases over 100 Rohingya refugees from detention

Malaysian authorities have released more than 100 Rohingya Muslim asylum seekers who were detained earlier this week. The group was sent to various locations across the country after police reviewed their documentation, confirming they possessed valid UNHCR cards.

The refugees were initially detained on Monday after gathering outside the UNHCR office in Kuala Lumpur to seek help. They claimed to have been evicted from their homes in Penang state. A total of 109 Rohingya refugees were released from the Kuala Lumpur police headquarters, according to Kuala Lumpur police chief Fadil Marsus.

Fadil stated that the destinations were chosen based on contacts and relatives of the refugees living in those areas, with designations made by the UN refugee agency and non-governmental organizations. This action comes as Malaysia's foreign minister recently called for a review of the UNHCR's domestic operations unless stricter controls are imposed on issuing refugee documents.

Malaysia, a Muslim-majority nation, is not a signatory to the UN refugee convention. It officially regards asylum seekers as illegal migrants, yet it has become a refuge for many Rohingya fleeing persecution in Myanmar. In recent months, Rohingya refugees in Malaysia have faced increased harassment and scrutiny, partly fueled by online hate speech and misinformation.

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The destinations were selected based on contacts and relatives (of the refugees) living in those areas.