by Hafizur Rahman
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | June 15, 2026
Malaysia’s Inspector-General of Police, Tan Sri Mohd Khalid Ismail, has said that Rohingya refugees account for only a small fraction of criminal cases in the country, amid growing public debate and criticism targeting the community.
According to the police chief, only 89 Rohingya individuals were involved in criminal cases recorded between 2024 and June 2026. He said this represented just 0.02 percent of all crimes reported in Malaysia during the same period.
Mohd Khalid urged the public not to spread false information, negative stereotypes, or harmful rumors about Rohingya refugees, warning that such actions could fuel social tension and undermine public harmony.
He emphasized that Malaysian authorities would continue to enforce the law equally, regardless of nationality, ethnicity, or legal status.
“Everyone is equal before the law,” he said, adding that any individual found violating the law would face appropriate legal action.
The police chief also noted that Malaysia continues to work with relevant agencies to combat illegal activities, including human smuggling and cross-border crimes. Security operations and patrols are regularly carried out in Malaysian territorial waters.
According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Malaysia hosted approximately 215,600 registered refugees and asylum seekers as of February 2026. Of that number, around 126,144 were Rohingya refugees from Myanmar.
In recent weeks, Rohingya refugees in Malaysia have faced increasing public criticism and allegations linking the community to criminal activity. Several civil society organizations and human rights groups have raised concerns over growing hate speech and misinformation directed at Rohingya refugees.
Malaysian police have called on the public to rely on verified information and avoid statements that could threaten public order or encourage hostility toward refugee communities.
