Malaysian authorities detained more than 100 Rohingya Muslim asylum seekers on Monday, July 27, outside the UNHCR office in Kuala Lumpur. The group had traveled to the capital to seek assistance from the agency after being driven out of their homes in Penang by local residents, according to the refugees.
The detainees were moved in four police trucks at approximately 8:30 p.m. A police official stated that the individuals were being taken to police headquarters in Kuala Lumpur for further checks.
The circumstances surrounding the refugees' departure from Penang are disputed. While the refugees reported being forced from their homes, Penang police stated that the Rohingya moved to Kuala Lumpur voluntarily with assistance from authorities. Seberang Perai Utara district police chief Anuar Abdul Rahman attributed the transfer to territorial and economic competition following an increase in the Rohingya population.
The evictions occurred alongside a rise in misinformation and online hate speech targeting the Rohingya since May. The UNHCR has expressed concern that online hate speech, disinformation, and dehumanizing narratives could fuel offline harassment and discrimination against Rohingya and other refugees.
Government and human rights responses
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim addressed the gathering outside the UNHCR via a social media video, stating that the situation raised public concerns. He warned that individuals without proper permits would be detained, adding, 'No one has the right to take over any part of the city.'
The Malaysian government should prioritise protecting refugees who have been evicted from their homes.
Bryony Lau also noted that Rohingya refugees in Malaysia live under a constant threat of raids and arrests, noting that the climate of fear has worsened due to online hate. Malaysia is not a signatory to the UN refugee convention and regards asylum seekers as illegal migrants.
Refugee experiences in Malaysia
Syed Kasim, a Rohingya refugee who has lived in Malaysia for 20 years, said he arrived at the UNHCR building in the early hours with his wife and children but received no assistance. 'Nobody helped (with) our problem, nobody understands,' he said.
Rohingya Muslims registered with UNHCR in Malaysia as of the end of February.
While Malaysia has previously been seen as a safe haven for Rohingya, perceptions shifted during the COVID-19 pandemic when the group faced accusations of spreading the virus, competing for jobs, and disrespecting cultural norms. The UNHCR office in Kuala Lumpur did not immediately respond to a request for comment.