THE Government is considering whether to impose movement controls on Rohingya refugees, with the government weighing national security and sovereignty concerns against human rights considerations, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said.
He said the first phase of the Refugee Registration Document (DPP) programme was under way, covering individuals held at Immigration detention depots nationwide.
The exercise is expected to move to its second phase in the near future, focusing on holders of United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) cards who are living outside the detention depots.
Zahid, who is also Rural and Regional Development Minister, said the National Security Council, in collaboration with relevant ministries, departments, agencies and local authorities, was conducting engagement sessions to gather feedback and coordinate the government's approach to the community.
The consultations were aimed at obtaining input and planning appropriate measures to address issues involving Rohingya refugees in Malaysia, he said in a written parliamentary reply published on the Parliament portal.
He was responding to Tanjung Piai MP Wee Jeck Seng, who had asked about the status of the Rohingya community, including the number identified, their documentation and the government's strategic approach to managing the issue. - October 30, 2026
