GEORGE TOWN: Federal authorities can identify and monitor refugees here more effectively through the Refugee Registration Document (DPP) mechanism, says Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
Chow said the mechanism was intended to ensure refugee management was carried out in a more systematic, registered and controlled manner.
"The DPP is not a policy to increase the number of refugees in Penang. It is a mechanism for the authorities to know who they are, where they are and how they can be monitored more effectively," he said in a statement on Tuesday (June 16).
Chow said an estimated 20,022 refugees and asylum seekers were in Penang as of August 2023, based on data from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
He said Rohingya communities had been identified in several areas, including Kepala Batas, Tasek Gelugor, Bagan, Permatang Pauh, Bukit Mertajam, Batu Kawan, Nibong Tebal, Jelutong, Bayan Baru and Balik Pulau.
Speaking on the matter at Penang Water Supply Corporation Berhad's annual general meeting on Tuesday, Chow said the state government adopted a pragmatic and responsible approach towards refugees and asylum seekers in line with policies set by the Federal Government.
He stressed that the entry of foreign nationals, recognition of refugee status, border control and immigration enforcement fell under the jurisdiction of federal agencies, including the Home Ministry, Immigration Department and National Security Council.
Chow also said Penang supported the implementation of National Security Council Directive No. 23 (2023 Revision), including the DPP mechanism.
The federal government introduced the DPP programme on Jan 1, 2026, to establish its own refugee registration system and database.
Initial registration efforts focused on refugees and asylum seekers held at immigration detention centres, particularly Rohingya detainees, before a wider rollout.
Under the programme, authorities collect personal information and biometric data to facilitate refugee management and monitoring.
Meanwhile, Chow said the state's priority was to safeguard public safety, community well-being and compliance with the law.
"Any criminal activity, document fraud, human trafficking, immoral activities or immigration offences must be dealt with according to the law without exception," he said.
Chow called on the public to assess the refugee issue objectively and based on facts, noting that many countries faced similar challenges in balancing humanitarian concerns, national security and the interests of local communities.
He added that the state government would continue working closely with federal authorities and security agencies to ensure refugees and asylum seekers were managed in an orderly and controlled manner without affecting public safety, social stability or the well-being of Penang residents.
