KUALA LUMPUR, June 30 — Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi today chaired the sixth High-Level Committee Meeting on the Management of Refugees and Asylum Seekers (JTPPPS) to review and strengthen Malaysia’s refugee management policies and mechanisms in line with national interests.
Zahid said the meeting focused on ensuring that refugee management in Malaysia is implemented in a more systematic, coordinated and effective manner while balancing humanitarian responsibilities with the need to protect the country’s security and sovereignty.
He noted that the global refugee crisis continues to worsen, with more than 122 million people forcibly displaced due to conflicts, persecution and instability, making it essential for Malaysia to have clear policies and robust management mechanisms.
“The current global refugee situation requires every country, including Malaysia, to adopt comprehensive policies that balance humanitarian considerations with national security and sovereignty,” he said.
Among the key matters discussed during the meeting was the refinement of the implementation of the Refugee Registration Document (DPP), which is expected to improve the management and monitoring of refugees and asylum seekers in the country.
The committee also deliberated on the coordination of guidelines governing refugees’ access to education and healthcare services to ensure implementation is more organised, legally compliant and effectively coordinated among all relevant government agencies.
Zahid stressed that refugee management extends beyond administrative processes and must remain closely linked to preserving national security and public order.
He said every policy and decision concerning refugees must always prioritise the interests of Malaysians while safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty.
“Managing refugees is not merely an administrative responsibility. It is also about protecting national security, maintaining public order, and ensuring that every decision serves the best interests of the people and preserves Malaysia’s sovereignty,” he said.
— MINUTESMY
— SOURCE: FB ZAHID HAMIDI
