Kuala lumpur: The Home Ministry (KDN) has been tasked with submitting the refugee data being compiled under the Refugee Registration Document (DPP) programme by the end of this year. Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail stated that the data would be provided to the relevant Cabinet Committee for subsequent action.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Minister emphasized that KDN has been instructed to present to the Cabinet Committee by the end of this year the number of individuals whose status has been accurately and conclusively verified through the DPP. This announcement was made during a press conference after witnessing the exchange of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and the Immigration Department (JIM).

The event was attended by Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil, MCMC chairman Tan Sri Mohamad Salim Fateh Din, and Immigration director-general Datuk Zakaria Shaaban. Saifuddin Nasution elaborated that KDN, through its agencies, is currently finalizing the refugee data by conducting interviews at detention depots across the country.

The Minister highlighted the importance of distinguishing between genuine refugees and individuals involved in other cases. Furthermore, it is crucial to identify if they are foreigners who have committed offences under the Immigration Act, such as misusing their passes, overstaying, or entering the country without valid documents. Accurate numbers must be established as a priority.

When questioned about the inclusion of Myanmar refugees, including the Rohingya, within the data, Saifuddin confirmed that they are among those identified from Myanmar. The ministry, through JIM, is implementing the DPP programme to address the issue systematically, adhering to National Security Council Directive No. 23 (Revision 2023).