Tough action against refugees causing unrest, says PM Anwar
Translated from Malay, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim ordered authorities to take firm action against refugees, including Rohingya, who cause unrest.
- Foreign nationals without valid permits will face legal charges, while those with permits will be warned.
- The directive follows an incident where hundreds of Rohingya refugees camped outside the UNHCR office in Kuala Lumpur, causing traffic congestion and disrupting local security.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has directed Malaysian authorities to take firm action against refugees, including Rohingya nationals, who cause unrest in the country. The Prime Minister stated that immigration, police, and local authorities have been instructed to act decisively against foreign nationals without valid permits, who will face legal charges. Those with permits will receive a warning.
Anwar's directive comes after hundreds of Rohingya refugees gathered in front of the UNHCR office in Kuala Lumpur, causing traffic congestion and raising security concerns. He emphasized that the government cannot allow refugees to disrupt local security or take over areas arbitrarily without respecting the law.
"We cannot allow this to the point of disrupting the safety of local residents," Anwar said. He also advised the police and immigration to be cautious, especially when dealing with women and children, but stressed that firm action must be taken to prevent them from "taking over any place in this country arbitrarily without respecting the law."
Originally published by Utusan Malaysia in Malay. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.