KUALA LUMPUR: The group of Rohingya refugees who gathered outside the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Jalan Bukit Petaling here on Monday (July 27) have been moved to the Kuala Lumpur Police Contingent Headquarters for documentation and identity verification.
Kuala Lumpur police chief Datuk Fadil Marsus confirmed that all 126 foreign nationals were transferred to the police headquarters on Monday night.
The transfer operation began at 8.20pm using four police trucks, after the two vehicles initially deployed proved insufficient as many of the refugees were carrying luggage and personal belongings.
The refugees are understood to be undergoing identity checks before further action is taken by the relevant authorities.
Meanwhile, a source said the National Security Council is expected to coordinate the case on Tuesday (July 28) to identify refugees holding valid UNHCR documents and determine suitable placement for them.
According to the source, individuals without UNHCR cards or who fail to prove their legitimate refugee status will be handed over to the Immigration Department before being sent to an immigration depot pending repatriation to their country of origin.
Earlier, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the government would not compromise with any refugee group that disrupts public order or attempts to take control of any area in the country.
He said enforcement agencies, including the police, Immigration Department and local authorities, had been instructed to take firm action against anyone found violating the law.
The media previously reported that the refugee group arrived in the capital on three buses after relocating from their settlement in Kampung Kuala Muda, Penaga, Penang.
North Seberang Perai OCPD Asst Comm Anuar Abdul Rahman said the relocation was prompted by growing competition over economic opportunities and living space following an increase in the Rohingya population at the settlement. – Bernama
