Perak police have urged the public not to take matters into their own hands against the Rohingya community, warning that such actions could trigger unrest and jeopardise public order.
Perak Police Chief Datuk Mohd Alwi Zainal Abidin said any campaign or movement targeting the ethnic group should be avoided, stressing that enforcement matters must be left to the authorities.
“We advise the public not to take personal action. Allow the police to handle these matters.
“If there is any misconduct or wrongdoing, lodge a police report first so that investigations and appropriate action can be carried out,” he said.
Mohd Alwi was responding to a social media campaign titled “Catch Rohingya Has Started In Perak”, which has been circulating online over the past two days.
He said police have not received any official reports involving misconduct by members of the Rohingya community in the state so far.
However, he noted that authorities continue to monitor areas known to have Rohingya settlements as part of routine security and enforcement efforts.
“Monitoring is carried out regularly, and we will work closely with the state government if further action is required.
“If any individual is found to be involved in criminal activities, firm action will be taken in accordance with the law,” he said.
Earlier, Mohd Alwi attended a handover ceremony involving the position of Perak Commercial Crime Investigation Department chief, where Assistant Commissioner Mohd Fahmi Visuvanathan Abdullah officially retired and handed over duties to acting department head Superintendent Mohd Ridzuan Nor Ihsan.
The issue of Rohingya settlements has recently attracted public attention following remarks by Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad.
On Thursday, Saarani said the presence of Rohingya communities in several parts of Perak, including Manjung, remains under close observation by authorities.
He revealed that many individuals within the community possess United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) cards and have established settlements, including homes and schools.
Authorities have reiterated that any concerns regarding undocumented settlements or criminal activity should be channelled through the proper legal and enforcement processes rather than through public action or vigilante-style campaigns.
