Latest news with #RefugeeRegistrationDocument
The Star
5 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Home Ministry to launch refugee registration system
KUALA LUMPUR: The Home Ministry will implement a registration system for refugees to improve the government's access to accurate data. Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail (pic) said implementing the Refugee Registration Document initiative is necessary, as the current refugee registration process, managed by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, involves lengthy data-sharing procedures with the government. 'So, to expedite our handling of refugee issues, the National Security Council said the ministry should collect registration data on refugees. 'The ministry is now in the procurement process and will appoint a vendor to deliver the system. We'll use existing infrastructure, such as the Immigration Department's 78 offices nationwide, to make it easier for refugees to come forward,' he told reporters after the Intan Minister's Conversation session here yesterday, Bernama reported. Also present were Home Ministry secretary-general Datuk Awang Alik Jeman, Deputy Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay, Public Service deputy director-general (development) Datuk Dr Mohd Bakhari Ismail and Intan director Datuk Dr Mohd Zabri Yusoff. Saifuddin Nasution said the screenings of 37,000 individuals to assess whether they meet the criteria for asylum seekers have already begun. He added that the ministry is now studying the next steps once the refugees are registered, including more comprehensive management measures that prioritise national security without neglecting their welfare. 'This includes access to education and healthcare, not through government (schools or hospitals), but we will allow initiatives by other parties, such as private institutions and NGOs, to operate schools. 'In terms of healthcare, while doctors are bound by their oath to provide medical services, we also need to acknowledge that treating refugees often results in unpaid bills, which is an issue for the country,' he said. Meanwhile, Saifuddin Nasution said an artificial intelligence (AI) analysis of 1.2 million criminal case records from the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) has revealed that drug abuse is the main 'gateway' to more serious crimes in the country. He said most serious crimes committed by offenders also involved three main offences under the Dangerous Drugs Act – drug addiction under Section 15(1), possession of small quantities of drugs under Section 12(2), and repeat drug-related offences under Section 39C. 'If we want to tackle crime in Malaysia today, we must address the root cause, which is offenders' involvement in drug-related crimes.' He said the findings of the AI analysis would enable stronger policies and strategies to combat drug-related crime to be developed, as they were based on data already available to PDRM. Saifuddin Nasution explained that if drug-related issues could be resolved, it would also help alleviate the current overcrowding in prisons, as the majority of inmates were involved in drug-related offences. He said the use of AI in PDRM's crime data analysis was part of the ministry's initiative to leverage the technology to resolve public service delivery issues.
New Straits Times
10-07-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
1st phase of integrated immigration system to be ready by year-end
KUALA LUMPUR: The first phase of the National Integrated Immigration System (NIISe), which is equipped with artificial intelligence (AI) technology, will be implemented by the end of the year. Immigration Department director-general Datuk Zakaria Shaaban said it includes an Advanced Passenger Screening System (APSS), which is capable of assessing passenger profiles from their country of origin, including criminal history and visa status before they arrive in Malaysia. He said three command centres, capable of monitoring all immigration-related activities in real time using AI, would also be established in Putrajaya, Kota Kinabalu and Kuching. "As the system will integrate with other agencies, we will be able to monitor movements into the country more effectively, including at entry points and depots, as well as during enforcement actions on the ground. "For example, if our officers are unable to determine a person's whereabouts, the command centre will assist them," he said during a visit to Media Prima Bhd today. On a separate matter, he said the Refugee Registration Document (DPP) initiative was currently at the system procurement stage. He said the department has the data on all refugees at its depots, which could be included in the registry once the system is ready. Earlier, during an interview for the MHI, he said NIISe, which is based on AI and smart data integration, would enhance entry points with an autogate system that processes each traveller in just "three to four seconds". In addition, the use of body cameras and AI-powered smart CCTVs enables real-time behavioural analysis, including detecting unusual interactions between travellers and officers, or potential abuse of power, he said. He also said the department is employing chatbots and interactive automation to handle visa applications and travel document services. "Digital systems such as MyVisa, eVisa, ePass, MyOnline Passport, MYXpats and others now incorporate automation elements that pave the way for AI integration." Among the Media Prima leadership present were Media Prima Omnia chief operating officer Datuk Mohd Efendi Omar; Media Prima Television Networks group editor for News and Current Affairs (NCA) Azhari Muhidin; Media Prima Bhd group chief financial officer Rosli Sabarudin; and Media Prima Television Networks and Primeworks Studios chief executive officer Nini Yusof.
New Straits Times
08-07-2025
- Health
- New Straits Times
Home Ministry to conduct refugee registration to enhance data accuracy
KUALA LUMPUR: The Home Ministry 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 said the move was necessary as the current refugee registration process, managed by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), involves lengthy data-sharing procedures with the government. "So, to expedite our handling of refugee issues, the National Security Council said (the ministry) should collect registration data on refugees. "The ministry is now in the procurement process and will appoint a vendor to deliver the system. We'll use existing ministry infrastructure, such as the Immigration Department's 78 offices nationwide, to make it easier for refugees to come forward," he told reporters after the Intan Minister's Conversation session here today. Also present were Home Ministry secretary-general Datuk Awang Alik Jeman, Deputy Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay, Public Service deputy director-general (development) Datuk Dr Mohd Bakhari Ismail and Intan director Datuk Dr Mohd Zabri Yusoff. Saifuddin said the refugee registration initiative has already begun with screenings of 37,000 individuals to assess whether they meet the criteria for asylum seekers. He added that the ministry is now studying the next steps once the refugees are registered, including more comprehensive management measures that prioritise national security without neglecting their welfare. "This includes access to education and healthcare, not through government (schools or hospitals), but we will allow initiatives by other parties, such as private institutions and NGOs, to operate schools. "In terms of healthcare, while doctors are bound by their oath to provide medical services, we also need to acknowledge that treating refugees often results in unpaid bills, which is an issue for the country," he said. — BERNAMA
New Straits Times
08-07-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
New refugee registration system lacks legal foundation, says NGO
ss KUALA LUMPUR: The government's move to develop its own refugee registration system has raised serious concerns from at least one human rights advocate. North South Initiative executive director Adrian Pereira said Malaysia lacks the legal framework and institutional capacity to manage refugee data responsibly. He questioned the legitimacy of the proposed Refugee Registration Document (DPP), describing it as a "chaotic" and potentially harmful initiative due to the absence of a refugee law in Malaysia. "The fundamental issue is that Malaysia doesn't have a legal framework for refugees. "So what gives the government the legitimacy to undertake this? It cannot be a (National Security Council) or (Home Ministry) initiative alone... this is about people's lives," he told the New Straits Times. Pereira drew comparisons to the government's previous failed attempt at refugee registration, known as the Tracking Refugee Information System (TRIS), which he said involved questionable parties and lacked transparency. "There's no proof we've ever handled this competently. The track record, whether with migrant workers or refugees, shows mismanagement, broken systems, and even exploitation. "What happened with TRIS? How much money was collected from refugees? Where did it go?" Earlier, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail had said the ministry would be using the DPP initiative to complement the current registration managed by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. He had said this was as the UNHCR refugee registration process was too lengthy, as far as data sharing was concerned. Pereira, however, disputed Saifuddin's assertion that UNHCR had been slow in registering refugees, saying the agency had always cooperated with the government. "It (UNHCR) is the only competent authority with the systems, processes and expertise to manage refugee registration. "Yes, it is underfunded, but that doesn't mean the government should take over without proving it has the capability or impartiality." Pereira said refugee determination is a resource-intensive process that requires trained personnel, translators, and strict adherence to international protocols. "The government is not equipped for this. Instead of taking over UNHCR's role, Malaysia should focus on developing a comprehensive refugee law, signing the 1951 Refugee Convention, and ensuring protection for asylum seekers," he said. Pereira also took issue with the government's current approach of sporadic enforcement and detention, saying it fuels public misconceptions that refugees are a threat. "Refugees are still being arrested for working, even though (the NSC's) Directive 23 supposedly allows it. So where are the SOPs? Where's the commitment to implement policies properly?" Pereira recommended that an independent ombudsman system or third-party expert body be considered as a more credible alternative for refugee status determination. While acknowledging that UNHCR is not without flaws, he said it remains the globally-recognised authority to determine refugee status and should remain so until Malaysia builds the necessary legal and institutional foundation.
Malaysiakini
08-07-2025
- Politics
- Malaysiakini
Home Ministry to conduct refugee registration to enhance data accuracy
The Home Ministry will implement the Refugee Registration Document initiative to improve the government's access to accurate data on refugees in the country. Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the move was necessary as the current refugee registration process, managed by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), involves lengthy data-sharing procedures with the government.
