Holders of valid United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) cards are still classified as illegal immigrants under Malaysian law but are exempted from prosecution for certain immigration offences.
The Immigration Department said the exemption applies to offences involving overstaying and entering Malaysia without valid travel documents under the Immigration Act 1959/63.
However, the department stressed that UNHCR card holders remain subject to Malaysian laws and regulations despite being granted the exemption.
In a statement to Bernama, the department reminded the public not to take matters into their own hands when dealing with foreigners as such actions could lead to security, public order and legal implications.
“The Immigration Department understands that this issue has sparked various reactions and concerns among members of the public,” it said.
The department emphasised that any action involving foreign nationals must be handled by the relevant authorities and carried out according to legal procedures.
Members of the public with information regarding foreigners suspected of violating immigration laws have been urged to report the matter to the Immigration Department or relevant enforcement agencies for further action.
Previously, reports stated that 113 Rohingya refugees arrived in Kuala Lumpur early Monday after being expelled from their settlement in Penang.
The group reportedly set up temporary tents outside the UNHCR office before being taken to the Kuala Lumpur Police Contingent Headquarters for documentation purposes. They were later relocated gradually to three states through coordination between non-governmental organisations and UNHCR.
