Myanmar citizens in Malaysia are facing continuous arrests for illegal stay, including those who have applied for asylum and registered with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). According to Myanmar nationals in Malaysia, the Malaysian authorities are conducting targeted operations against undocumented foreigners, carrying out raids on factories, workplaces, and residential areas where foreign nationals reside.
On June 26, following local residents’ complaints, authorities in Tengah, Malacca State, arrested 22 Myanmar citizens without proper documentation. On the same day, more than 40 Myanmar nationals were arrested during a raid at Prima Setapak Condominium in Kuala Lumpur. These arrests are part of a systematic operation by Malaysian authorities targeting undocumented migrants.
Among those arrested are individuals who fled Myanmar to avoid forced military conscription by the military council, those who have already filed cases with UNHCR, and people seeking refuge due to fears of arrest in Myanmar. Those helping the detained Myanmar citizens report that they are working quietly through personal connections to secure releases. Even those holding UNHCR cards face significant challenges in obtaining their release from detention. The arrests are indiscriminate, targeting any foreign nationals without proper documentation, regardless of their status or circumstances.
On June 25, Malaysian authorities conducted raids in Sarawak and Sabah states, resulting in the arrest of 108 undocumented foreign nationals, including more than 30 Myanmar citizens. The arrests also included nationals from Bangladesh and Indonesia. Additionally, on June 24, hundreds of Myanmar citizens were arrested during raids in various locations including Cheras in Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru in Johor State, Shar Alam Kota Kemuning night market, and the Makota area in Malacca State. These ongoing operations demonstrate the Malaysian authorities’ intensified efforts to crack down on undocumented migrants, affecting numerous Myanmar citizens who have fled their country due to the political situation and military oppression.
