PETALING JAYA: The government has reiterated that refugee status does not grant anyone immunity from prosecution, stressing that individuals who commit crimes in Malaysia will face legal action regardless of their background or status.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the government’s position is unequivocal — no individual, including refugees, will be exempted from enforcement measures if they are found to have violated Malaysian laws.
According to him, national security and public order remain top priorities, and the government will not compromise when it comes to protecting the interests of the country and its citizens.
“Any individual who commits a criminal offence or violates the laws of the country will still face enforcement action and the appropriate legal process.
“The government will not protect criminals, and we will not compromise on matters concerning national security,” he said in a Facebook post today.
Saifuddin made the remarks amid ongoing public discussion over Malaysia’s approach to managing refugee communities and the broader challenges associated with the issue.
He explained that the Home Ministry’s current efforts are not aimed at providing special protection to refugees, but rather at improving the government’s capacity to manage a longstanding reality that has existed in Malaysia for decades.
“The objective is not to protect refugees.
“Our main responsibility is to protect national interests, safeguard public security and maintain social harmony,” he said.
Saifuddin noted that the refugee issue is not new and has been inherited by successive administrations over many years.
However, he stressed that the long-standing nature of the issue should not become an excuse for inaction.
Instead, he said the Madani Government has chosen to address the matter in a responsible and evidence-based manner while balancing security considerations with humanitarian realities.
“The government is committed to managing this issue responsibly, prudently and based on facts.
“In carrying out this responsibility, our priorities remain clear — protecting the rakyat and preserving national security,” he said.
Saifuddin also welcomed constructive input from various stakeholders, including academics, civil society organisations, think tanks, legal practitioners and security experts.
He said the government values expert opinions and hopes broader participation will help formulate more effective policies and long-term solutions.
“I believe Malaysians are capable of discussing this issue in a mature, rational and responsible manner for the benefit of the nation we all share,” he said.
According to Saifuddin, one of the biggest challenges facing the government is the lack of comprehensive and accurate information regarding individuals classified as refugees.
He said incomplete data makes it difficult for authorities to formulate policies and enforce regulations effectively.
As a result, the government is currently undertaking a more extensive effort to collect data and biometric information.
“We cannot manage what we do not know.
“We cannot guarantee national security if we do not know precisely who is within our borders,” he said.
Saifuddin explained that accurate data would allow the government to address a range of issues more effectively, including security concerns, law enforcement, public health, employment matters and the well-being of local communities.
He added that a data-driven approach would enable authorities to implement more targeted and efficient policies while avoiding broad or ineffective measures.
“The government will continue to ensure that every decision relating to refugees is made carefully, transparently and with national interests in mind.
“Our priority remains safeguarding the security of the rakyat and the nation while taking into account the humanitarian realities that exist,” he said.
