PUTRAJAYA, June 16 — Malaysia strongly rejects allegations linking the country to inhumane treatment of migrant and refugee children, including members of the Rohingya community, and stresses that various measures have been implemented to ensure that their welfare and protection continue to receive due attention.

The Home Ministry (KDN) said claims that children are detained without protection or denied basic welfare do not reflect the actual efforts being undertaken to manage irregular migration responsibly, humanely and in line with national security requirements.

“As of February 28, 2026, a total of six Baitul Mahabbah shelters were operating nationwide, accommodating 188 children, including seven classified as unaccompanied or separated children,” the statement said.

According to the ministry, the Baitul Mahabbah initiative is an interim measure aimed at providing more suitable temporary accommodation for children aged 12 and below together with their guardians.

“The government, through the Home Ministry and the Immigration Department, has implemented various measures to ensure that the welfare and protection of the children involved continue to receive due attention,” the ministry said in a statement today.

The ministry said that under the initiative, the children are transferred from conventional immigration detention depots while documentation processes, status verification and further arrangements are being carried out.

“At Baitul Mahabbah, they are placed in a more conducive environment and provided with their basic needs, safety and healthcare, as well as access to informal educational activities, basic guidance and recreational spaces suited to their age and circumstances,” it said.

It added that Baitul Mahabbah also serves as a temporary transitional measure while the government refines a more comprehensive alternative to child detention framework through collaboration between the ministry, the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development (KPWKM), the government’s strategic partners and relevant non-governmental organisations.

“At the same time, the government is planning to expand the scope and capacity of Baitul Mahabbah in phases, including to accommodate children in other age groups, subject to the suitability of facilities, security considerations, child protection requirements and the capacity of implementing agencies,” the statement said.

The ministry also stressed that the approach is intended to ensure that the children involved do not remain in conventional detention environments, while protecting them from the risks of exploitation, migrant smuggling, human trafficking and neglect.

“The approach taken is aimed at balancing humanitarian considerations with the government’s responsibility to safeguard national security and the integrity of the immigration system,” it said.

The ministry also stressed that issues involving vulnerable communities, including the Rohingya, cannot be viewed in isolation from the broader challenges posed by illegal entry, migrant smuggling and human trafficking, which are complex and transnational in nature.

As such, the ministry called on all parties, including countries of origin, international organisations, regional partners and humanitarian activists, to play a more decisive and responsible role in seeking sustainable solutions, including addressing the root causes of forced migration, combating migrant-smuggling syndicates and expediting resettlement to third countries. — Bernama 

MARANG, June 4 — A Rohingya man pleaded not guilty at the Magistrate’s Court here today to a charge of dangerous driving causing the death of a motorcyclist on Jalan Kuala Terengganu-Kuantan, near Rusila here, last week.

Shah Dullah Abul Hashim, 20, made the plea after the charge was read out to him before Magistrate Nur Athirah Hashim.

The unemployed man was charged with driving a Proton Saga car dangerously, causing an accident with a Yamaha RXZ motorcycle and the death of Saifullah Isyraf Shamsudin, 27.

The act was allegedly committed at Kilometre 12.5 of Jalan Kuala Terengganu-Kuantan near Kampung Rusila here at 6 pm on May 27.

He was charged under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 (Act 333/87), which provides imprisonment of between five and 10 years and a fine of between RM20,000 and RM50,000, upon conviction.

The court granted Shah Dullah bail of RM6,000 with one surety, ordered him to report to the nearest police station every month, and set July 8 for mention. — Bernama

IPOH, June 13 — Buildings constructed without planning permission are illegal and will not be allowed access to water or electricity supplies, Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming said.

He said the policy was intended to prevent the emergence of illegal settlements, including those linked to foreign communities such as the Rohingya.

“The issue of Rohingya refugees falls under the jurisdiction of the Immigration Department, which conducts regular inspections and enforcement operations.

“However, the government’s policy is clear. Anyone entering the country, whether on humanitarian grounds or as a refugee, must obtain government approval,” he told reporters after visiting an unclaimed money mobile counter here today.

Nga was commenting on reports of an unauthorised four-storey building constructed by the Rohingya community in a remote area of Sungai Tekali, Hulu Langat, Selangor.

Meanwhile, he said the government had revoked 26,108 business licences operated by foreign nationals through 4,000 enforcement operations carried out nationwide as of May this year.

“Foreign nationals are not allowed to run businesses or hold business licences. They may work as employees, but they cannot own businesses,” he said.

Nga added that local authorities nationwide had been directed to step up enforcement efforts, while urging the public to report the presence of illegal immigrants or any suspicious activities to the authorities.

On the unclaimed money campaign, he said RM13 billion is currently available for claim and encouraged the public to check their status.

“The process is simple. Citizens only need to bring their identity card and a bank statement,” he said.

Nga said the initiative is in line with Section 13(1) of the Unclaimed Moneys Act 1965, under which funds left untouched for more than seven years are transferred to the Unclaimed Moneys Account managed by the Accountant General’s Department.

“The money belongs to the rightful owners, but many are unaware that they have unclaimed funds,” he added.

“Starting this week, we will launch the campaign beginning in the Kepayang state constituency, with Pakatan Harapan elected representatives visiting constituencies across Perak to assist the public in reclaiming their money,” he said. — Bernama

PUCHONG, June 16 — The Selangor Road Transport Department (JPJ), in collaboration with the Subang Jaya City Council (MBSJ), conducted an integrated Foreign Driver Operation (Ops PeWA) in Puchong today to detect the use of cargo bicycles by foreign nationals, which are alleged to pose a risk to road users. 

The operation was carried out following complaints from residents about the use of cargo bicycles by foreign nationals on main roads, including claims that they were using busy routes without regard for the safety of other road users. 

Among the concerns raised were the use of these poorly maintained bicycles on high-traffic routes and the act of ferrying children in the cargo compartment without safety features. 

A Bernama survey found that ethic Rohingyas in the area use modified cargo bicycles to collect scrap metal and recyclable items before selling them to collection centres. 

A Rohingya man, Artirahman Abdul Rahman, 36, said the activity is his main source of income, with daily earnings ranging from RM30 to RM80 depending on the materials collected. 

“This bicycle can be obtained either from local welding shops or purchased from other owners. I bought this bicycle and sent it to a workshop to install the cargo compartment,” he told reporters here today. 

He said a regular bicycle costs around RM50, while the cost of installing a cargo compartment can run up to RM400. There are also used cargo bicycles sold for about RM400 per unit.

A resident, P. Sundararaj, 63, said the issue has persisted for several years despite repeated complaints to the authorities. 

He claimed that the activities of foreign nationals, particularly the ethic Rohingyas, in industrial areas around Puchong often disrupt traffic flow, especially at intersections and traffic light areas. 

“I have lodged many complaints. Action was taken before, but after that, another group would come,” he said. 

Meanwhile, another resident, who wished to be known only as Akmal, 27, claimed that the growing Rohingya community in the area, especially in Kampung Sri Langkas Tambahan, has caused unease among locals. 

He said several agencies, including the Immigration Department of Malaysia (JIM), Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM) and MBSJ, had conducted operations in the area recently. 

“They (the Rohingya) seem to know in advance about the raids. I don’t know how, but most of the shops that are usually open were closed, and the area was quiet during the operation,” he said. 

He expressed hope that relevant agencies such as JIM, SSM and MBSJ would conduct more frequent inspections to address any violations of the law or the existence of illegal settlement structures.

Residents interviewed also hoped that enforcement efforts would not only improve road safety but also address issues that have long persisted in several areas around Puchong. — Bernama 

KOTA BHARU, June 13 — Family ties in Malaysia have been identified as a key factor attracting illegal migrants, including Rohingya as well as Bangladeshi and Myanmar nationals, to enter the country through the Malaysia-Thailand border.

Kelantan police chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat said many viewed Malaysia as their final destination rather than Thailand because they had family members or relatives here who could provide support upon arrival.

He said the factor was particularly significant among the Rohingya community, many of whom were willing to take great risks to enter the country illegally.

“Malaysia is their final destination. The main reason is that they have family members or relatives who have long settled in this country and serve as a support system when they arrive here.

“For the Rohingya in particular, these family ties play a major role in their decision to enter Malaysia,” he told Bernama recently.

Mohd Yusoff said illegal entries through the Malaysia-Thailand border remained an almost daily challenge for enforcement authorities.

As such, he has directed all district police headquarters (IPDs) in Kelantan to intensify operations against illegal migrants and not rely solely on the General Operations Force (GOF).

“I have issued firm instructions to all IPDs across Kelantan to carry out continuous operations, particularly against migrants entering through Thailand,” he said.

Based on police observations, most migrants use Thailand as a transit point before continuing their journey to Malaysia.

According to Mohd Yusoff, Thai authorities generally do not face issues involving large numbers of migrants as long as they do not remain in the country for extended periods

On the presence of Rohingya communities in Kelantan, he said police had identified settlements in several locations, including Tanah Merah.

However, he stressed that the situation remained under control and was being closely monitored by the authorities.

Although migrant-related matters generally fall under the jurisdiction of the Immigration Department of Malaysia, Mohd Yusoff said police continue to play a role in maintaining security and monitoring foreign communities in the state.

“This monitoring is important to ensure that any criminal elements or social problems can be prevented and do not affect public safety and order,” he said.

Yesterday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim reminded Rohingya refugees in the country to comply with local laws and regulations or face stern action.

He said while Malaysia adopts a humanitarian approach, the group must still comply with the country’s laws, including rules on the use of premises and business operations. — Bernama