KUALA LUMPUR: The government is considering movement restrictions on Myanmar refugees in the country, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
He said any decision on the proposed measures would take into account national security and sovereignty interests, as well as human rights considerations.
Zahid, who is also the Rural and Regional Development Minister, said the registration of Myanmar refugees nationwide was currently in its first phase, involving individuals held at Immigration detention depots.
The initiative, carried out under the Refugee Registration Documents (DPP) programme, is expected to move into its second phase soon.
“The second phase of the DPP will focus on holders of United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) cards who are outside immigration detention depots.
“The National Security Council, under the Prime Minister’s Department, is actively conducting engagement sessions in collaboration with relevant ministries, departments, agencies and local authorities.
“These sessions aim to gather feedback and plan appropriate measures to coordinate issues involving this community in the country,” he said in a written parliamentary reply published on the Parliament website today.
He was responding to Datuk Seri Dr Wee Jeck Seng (BN-Tanjung Piai), who asked about the status of the refugee community, including the number identified, documentation and strategic measures to address related issues.