KUALA LUMPUR: To address the regional refugee crisis, Malaysia is seeking stronger burden-sharing among Asean member countries alongside closer cooperation with international migration and humanitarian organisations.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said regional efforts should also focus on achieving a political solution that would allow Rohingya refugees to return home voluntarily, safely and with dignity.
He said Malaysia would continue strengthening cooperation with Asean and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) through a more strategic and comprehensive approach.
“Measures that could be considered include strengthening responsibility-sharing mechanisms among Asean member states, expanding cooperation with international organisations involved in migration and humanitarian affairs, and encouraging a political solution for the voluntary, safe and dignified return of Rohingya refugees” he said.
Zahid explained this issue in a parliamentary written reply to Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias (BN-Jelebu), who asked about government measures to manage refugees registered with UNHCR.
“The government had identified three approaches to managing UNHCR cardholders in Malaysia and this includes voluntary repatriation, resettlement in third countries and deportation of those who violate Malaysian laws.
“Integrated operations involving security and enforcement agencies, as well as local authorities, are also being carried out nationwide to address non-compliance among foreign migrants,” he said.
Zahid added, Malaysia was developing its own mechanism to register and monitor refugees and asylum seekers through the Refugee Registration Document (DPP) programme before they are returned to their countries of origin or resettled in third countries.
He said the mechanism would also allow eligible refugees access to healthcare, education and employment while safeguarding national security and sovereignty.
