Why Malaysia Needs a More Robust Refugee Framework

According to UNHCR, there are about 117 million asylum seekers worldwide as of 2025. In Malaysia, approximately 200,000 refugees and asylum seekers are registered with UNHCR, with estimates suggesting the actual number may be significantly higher. In past interviews, we’ve talked extensively about some of the challenges faced by refugees. The truth is, whether we “like” them or not, so long as people in parts of the world are getting bombed, ethnically cleansed and facing severe persecution, there will be refugees. And they will go wherever that makes the most sense geographically and logistically, for safety. In this episode, we explore a few angles, including why there’s been a rise of anti-Rohingya sentiment in recent weeks, if refugees are a strain to public services and whether the new DPP – Dokumen Pendaftaran Pelarian or Refugee Registration Document – by the government is a step in the right direction. We speak to Aira Azhari, CEO, Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS). Recommended reading: The Economic Impact of Granting Refugees in Malaysia the Right to Work. Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.