Kuala lumpur: The government will implement the Refugee Registration Document (DPP) system starting January 1 next year, Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah announced. The initiative aims to address security risks and improve data organization, aligning with the National Security Council Order No 23, which seeks to replace the current registration system overseen by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the new system will store refugee information and biometrics, issuing an official identification document recognized by the government to those confirmed as refugees. This response was given to Teresa Kok Suh Sim (PH-Seputeh) during a Special Chambers session at the Dewan Rakyat, regarding the status and management mechanism for refugee registration and work approvals in Malaysia.

The system aims to provide a comprehensive database and establish government control over refugee management, enhancing effective monitoring. Currently, the existing registration system is managed solely by UNHCR, which has led to security concerns and a lack of government oversight over refugee applications, population, and locations within Malaysia.

Dr. Shamsul Anuar highlighted that this unilateral management has resulted in disorganized registration, misuse, and document falsification. The DPP system is currently undergoing testing to ensure its stability and effectiveness before the official launch.

The stored biometric data will facilitate monitoring until refugees' final management, which could involve settlement in a third country, repatriation to their country of origin, or deportation if they violate Malaysian law.