Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the government is aware of rising public anger over refugee management, particularly involving the Rohingya community, and is taking it into account while maintaining a policy approach grounded in law, security and humanitarian obligations. - Bernama file pic, June 11, 2026
‘We’re no cowboy country’: Saifuddin says govt hears public anger but must manage refugee issue responsibly
Home Minister says growing frustration must be acknowledged and managed, while policy remains guided by law, security and humanitarian considerations
Sandru Narayanan
Updated 2 minutes ago
11 June, 2026
8:30 PM MYT
KUALA LUMPUR – The government is aware of rising public anger over refugee management, particularly involving the Rohingya community, and is taking it into account while maintaining a policy approach grounded in law, security and humanitarian obligations, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said.
Speaking to Scoop, Saifuddin said public sentiment on the issue has become increasingly visible, especially across social media platforms, and must be managed responsibly rather than ignored.
“I am aware that public sentiment is increasingly rising on refugee management. On social media, the message is largely the same.
“The general view is for refugees to be deported or turned away. However, as a government, we cannot act based on emotion. We must consider the broader context and balance national security with humanitarian values,” he said.
Saifuddin said decisions on refugee policy must take into account Malaysia’s security interests, humanitarian responsibilities, and international standing, stressing that the issue cannot be approached simplistically.
He also dismissed allegations that authorities were carelessly issuing identity documents to refugees, saying such claims misrepresent the country’s legal and enforcement systems.
“There are accusations suggesting the government is carelessly giving identities to refugees, as if we have no laws or system in place… as though this is a ‘cowboy country’. That is not true, and we will not compromise on security,” he said.
He added that the Home Ministry continues to manage refugee-related matters within established legal and security frameworks, while also recognising the vulnerabilities of those seeking protection.
“We cannot avoid managing this issue. It must be handled wisely and humanely, while still safeguarding the country’s security, the people’s interests, and our international standing,” he said.
Public attention on the matter has intensified following an online petition launched by Aku Anak Malaysia on May 29, calling for Rohingya refugees to be repatriated or resettled in third countries. The petition has gathered more than 195,000 signatures as of Thursday and is targeting one million, advocating alternative approaches to manage ongoing arrivals.
Deputy Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay said the influx and unauthorised settlement of Rohingya refugees remains a long-standing challenge that requires cooperation beyond domestic enforcement agencies.
“This cannot be solved solely by the police, the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency, or the Immigration Department. Any long-term solution requires engagement from countries of origin and the international community,” he said.
He cautioned that proposals for dedicated refugee settlement or transit centres are not straightforward, citing unresolved issues involving management, funding and third-country resettlement. He also warned that such facilities could become a pull factor for human smuggling syndicates.
Meanwhile, Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari said enforcement actions against illegal structures occupied by Rohingya in Kampung Baru Sungai Makau, Ulu Langat, have been ongoing since 2016. He said authorities have carried out warning notices, investigations, integrated operations and demolitions, with monitoring and enforcement continuing where necessary.
Saifuddin’s remarks reflect a government position that seeks to balance public concerns with legal, security and humanitarian considerations in managing refugee issues. – June 11, 2026
‘We’re no cowboy country’: Saifuddin says govt hears public anger but must manage refugee issue responsibly
Home Minister says growing frustration must be acknowledged and managed, while policy remains guided by law, security and humanitarian considerations
Sandru Narayanan
Updated 2 minutes ago
11 June, 2026
8:30 PM MYT
KUALA LUMPUR – The government is aware of rising public anger over refugee management, particularly involving the Rohingya community, and is taking it into account while maintaining a policy approach grounded in law, security and humanitarian obligations, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said.
Speaking to Scoop, Saifuddin said public sentiment on the issue has become increasingly visible, especially across social media platforms, and must be managed responsibly rather than ignored.
“I am aware that public sentiment is increasingly rising on refugee management. On social media, the message is largely the same.
“The general view is for refugees to be deported or turned away. However, as a government, we cannot act based on emotion. We must consider the broader context and balance national security with humanitarian values,” he said.
Saifuddin said decisions on refugee policy must take into account Malaysia’s security interests, humanitarian responsibilities, and international standing, stressing that the issue cannot be approached simplistically.
He also dismissed allegations that authorities were carelessly issuing identity documents to refugees, saying such claims misrepresent the country’s legal and enforcement systems.
“There are accusations suggesting the government is carelessly giving identities to refugees, as if we have no laws or system in place… as though this is a ‘cowboy country’. That is not true, and we will not compromise on security,” he said.
He added that the Home Ministry continues to manage refugee-related matters within established legal and security frameworks, while also recognising the vulnerabilities of those seeking protection.
“We cannot avoid managing this issue. It must be handled wisely and humanely, while still safeguarding the country’s security, the people’s interests, and our international standing,” he said.
Public attention on the matter has intensified following an online petition launched by Aku Anak Malaysia on May 29, calling for Rohingya refugees to be repatriated or resettled in third countries. The petition has gathered more than 195,000 signatures as of Thursday and is targeting one million, advocating alternative approaches to manage ongoing arrivals.
Deputy Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay said the influx and unauthorised settlement of Rohingya refugees remains a long-standing challenge that requires cooperation beyond domestic enforcement agencies.
“This cannot be solved solely by the police, the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency, or the Immigration Department. Any long-term solution requires engagement from countries of origin and the international community,” he said.
He cautioned that proposals for dedicated refugee settlement or transit centres are not straightforward, citing unresolved issues involving management, funding and third-country resettlement. He also warned that such facilities could become a pull factor for human smuggling syndicates.
Meanwhile, Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari said enforcement actions against illegal structures occupied by Rohingya in Kampung Baru Sungai Makau, Ulu Langat, have been ongoing since 2016. He said authorities have carried out warning notices, investigations, integrated operations and demolitions, with monitoring and enforcement continuing where necessary.
Saifuddin’s remarks reflect a government position that seeks to balance public concerns with legal, security and humanitarian considerations in managing refugee issues. – June 11, 2026
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