KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's long-standing programme to resettle Rohingya refugees and other displaced persons to third countries has slowed significantly and is now largely at a standstill due to challenges faced by receiving nations, says Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Mohd Khalid Ismail.
He said Malaysia had previously facilitated the relocation of between 7,000 and 8,000 refugees annually under arrangements coordinated through the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
However, recent constraints affecting host countries have severely limited resettlement opportunities.
"Malaysia previously had government-to-government (G2G) agreements with several countries to manage refugee resettlement programmes.
"Under these arrangements, Rohingya refugees arriving in Malaysia were given temporary shelter before being relocated to third countries that required their services, either in professional sectors or as part of their workforce," he told a press conference after launching the Combat Scam programme on Monday (June 15).
Mohd Khalid said the resettlement process had become increasingly difficult in recent years.
"Various challenges and constraints have caused the resettlement process to slow down considerably.
"As a result, the movement of Rohingya refugees to receiving countries has either stopped altogether or is proceeding at a very slow pace," he said.
The IGP described the Rohingya issue as an international issue due to humanitarian and political conflict in Myanmar.
He said Malaysia, as an independent and neutral country, had adopted a humanitarian approach by providing temporary protection to Rohingya refugees.
Addressing public concerns over the continued presence of Rohingya refugees in the country, Mohd Khalid said authorities maintained strict monitoring and enforcement measures to prevent any involvement in criminal activities.
He noted that crime involving members of the Rohingya community remained low.
"Only 89 Rohingya individuals were recorded as being involved in various offences between 2024 and this year.
"The figure represented just 0.2% of the total crimes recorded nationwide, indicating that criminal involvement among the community was minimal," he added.
Mohd Khalid said UNHCR had informed authorities that approximately 215,000 Rohingya refugees had been registered in Malaysia.
He added that enforcement agencies, together with the Immigration Department, continuously updated records on refugees, including information on their whereabouts and employment.
"With this information, authorities can respond swiftly if any crimes involving members of the community occur, as their locations and relevant details are already on record," he said.
