Kuala lumpur: The government will begin implementing the Refugee Registration Document (DPP) initiative, starting with detainees at immigration depots, as part of efforts to establish a national refugee database managed directly by Malaysia. Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail stated that there are currently about 21,000 detainees at immigration depots nationwide, with around 4,000 claiming refugee status.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, refugee management in Malaysia currently falls under the mandate of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Kuala Lumpur. The UNHCR is responsible for registration, verification, the issuance of refugee cards, and related processes. However, Saifuddin Nasution expressed dissatisfaction with this arrangement, prompting the government to introduce a new approach where it will undertake the refugee registration process itself.

Speaking after officiating the Malaysian Prison Department's 'Kampung Angkat MADANI' and 'Sekolah Angkat MADANI' Corrective Community Programme 2026, Saifuddin Nasution emphasized that the determination of whether an individual qualifies as a genuine refugee will involve a comprehensive verification process. This will include security screening by the Immigration Department of Malaysia, the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), and other relevant agencies.

Once these processes are completed, the Malaysian government will decide on an individual's refugee status based on comprehensive data, which will include names, addresses, ages, genders, skills, and biometric information such as facial and iris recognition. This data will be meticulously recorded, offering a more thorough understanding of the refugee population in Malaysia.

Saifuddin Nasution also highlighted that possession of the DPP will not change the existing long-term solutions for refugees, which include resettlement in a third country or repatriation to their country of origin once conditions there are safe and peaceful.