Kuala lumpur: The Home Ministry (KDN) will implement the Refugee Registration Document (DPP) initiative to improve the government’s access to accurate data on refugees in the country. Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail emphasized the necessity of this move, citing the current refugee registration process managed by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) as being hampered by lengthy data-sharing procedures with the government.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Saifuddin Nasution stated that the National Security Council has directed KDN to collect registration data on refugees to expedite the handling of refugee issues. KDN is currently in the procurement process and plans to appoint a vendor to deliver the required system. The existing infrastructure of the Immigration Department’s 78 offices nationwide will be utilized to facilitate the registration process for refugees.

Saifuddin Nasution highlighted that the refugee registration initiative has already commenced with the screening of 37,000 individuals to determine their eligibility as asylum seekers. KDN is examining the subsequent steps following registration, aiming to implement comprehensive management measures that balance national security and refugee welfare.

The minister also noted that while access to education and healthcare for refugees will not be through government schools or hospitals, other parties such as private institutions and NGOs will be permitted to operate schools. In terms of healthcare, he acknowledged the challenges posed by unpaid bills resulting from medical services provided to refugees, which remains a concern for the country.