KUALA LUMPUR: Registration of Rohingya refugees outside Immigration detention depots is expected to begin soon as authorities prepare to move into the second phase of a nationwide data collection exercise.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the Refugee Registration Document (DPP) programme was currently in its first phase, which focused on individuals held at Immigration detention depots.
The second phase will cover UNHCR cardholders outside the detention depots.
In a parliamentary written reply on Friday (Nov 13), Zahid said authorities were also studying the suitability of imposing movement controls on the groups, taking into account national security, sovereignty and human rights considerations.
“The National Security Council, in cooperation with all relevant ministries, departments and agencies, is actively conducting engagement sessions to obtain feedback and plan appropriate measures to coordinate issues involving these groups in Malaysia,” he said.
The National Security Council, under the Prime Minister's Department, is working with the Home Ministry, Foreign Ministry, Housing and Local Government Ministry and local authorities on the matter.
Zahid was responding to Aminolhuda Hassan (PH-Sri Gading), who asked about the status of a comprehensive refugee management plan, its main components and whether the policy framework would be presented in the Dewan Rakyat for parliamentary scrutiny.
