Duyong Assemblyman urges new refugee laws to address local unrest

Datuk Mohd Noor Helmy Abdul Halem, the Duyong State Assemblyman, has called for the urgent drafting of specific refugee laws to address growing public unrest in Malaysia. He noted that local communities are increasingly dissatisfied due to the presence of illegal housing areas and the perceived economic dominance of refugee communities, including the Rohingya ethnic group, in local sectors.

Helmy highlighted a gap between existing enforcement powers and the reality on the ground, stating that local authorities currently face limited jurisdiction, often restricted to administrative matters like business licenses. He warned that without decisive legal action, refugee populations could establish long-term settlements spanning generations, potentially leading to social and security crises.