Arakan Journal

By Arakan Journal

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia – September 15, 2026 – Malaysia’s Royal Police (PDRM) has issued a warning to members of the public and social media influencers not to take enforcement into their own hands against Myanmar refugee communities, including Rohingya refugees.

The warning comes amid growing public debate and social media activity surrounding refugees and foreign nationals in Malaysia.

Datuk Noor Hisam Nordin, director of the Crime Prevention and Community Safety Department at Bukit Aman, urged members of the public to refer complaints and concerns to the appropriate authorities rather than acting independently.

He stressed that Malaysia has laws and regulations governing such matters and warned that action driven by emotion could have negative consequences.

“Do not take action yourself against Myanmar refugees,” the police message stated.

Noor Hisam said members of the public should instead report incidents or concerns to the police or other relevant authorities so that appropriate action can be taken according to existing laws and regulations.

The police position is significant at a time when some social-media personalities and online commentators have publicly raised allegations and criticism involving Myanmar refugees.

Authorities have emphasized that immigration or law-enforcement matters should be handled through established legal procedures rather than through action.

The police warning does not prevent Malaysian authorities from enforcing immigration or criminal laws. Rather, it reinforces the principle that enforcement should be carried out by the law. The statement also comes as Malaysian authorities continue immigration enforcement operations involving undocumented foreign nationals.

For refugee communities, particularly the Rohingya, the distinction is important: immigration enforcement and public safety concerns remain matters for the authorities, while private individuals are not authorized to punish, threaten or target refugee communities themselves.

The police appeal therefore places responsibility on both the authorities and the public: complaints should be reported through lawful channels, while enforcement should remain the responsibility of government agencies.

For Malaysia’s Myanmar refugee community, the message provides an important reminder that public concerns must be addressed through the rule of law and that individuals should not be subjected to vigilante action because of their nationality, refugee status or ethnicity.

Arakan Journal will continue to monitor developments concerning Rohingya refugees, Myanmar nationals and Malaysia’s immigration and security policies.

Sources: Malaysian media including Malasiakini, Kosmo and Sinar Daily.