Hundreds of Rohingya refugees gathered outside the UNHCR office in Jalan Bukit Petaling, Kuala Lumpur, on July 27 after arriving earlier that day by three buses from Penang [1, 2, 3, 4].

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim publicly instructed police, the Immigration Department, and local authorities to take firm legal action against refugees without permits who violate laws or disrupt public order. He said, "They (the refugees) have disrupted traffic. We have to be firm. This country has rules and laws. They cannot simply choose to occupy any area in the city" [1, 2, 3, 4]. He acknowledged the refugees’ attempts to seek UNHCR protection but insisted they must abide by Malaysian laws and avoid disrupting local residents’ safety or causing traffic issues. "I understand that they are trying to seek protection from UNHCR, but they cannot just enter areas as they please," Anwar said [1, 2, 3, 4].

The government is pursuing legal warnings and possible proceedings against refugees found without proper permits, as directed by the Prime Minister [1, 2, 3, 4].

Separately, Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari ordered immediate measures related to an alleged illegal foreign settlement in Setia Alam, where hundreds of illegal structures house thousands of foreigners. Despite prior raids since April 2026, the settlement persists. Amirudin said, "Today, when this matter was raised, I immediately informed the relevant parties and believe prompt action will be taken, especially in issuing notices to the landowners" [5, 6, 7]. Shah Alam City Council has been tasked to determine land ownership and issue notices to landowners. Immigration director-general Datuk Zakaria Shaaban indicated a multi-agency operation would follow if investigations confirm the settlement's illegality [5, 6, 7].

Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the state will not tolerate disruptions caused by refugee issues and urged refugees to respect the law and use proper channels. He noted the recent voluntary relocation of over 100 Rohingya from a temporary settlement in Penang to the Kuala Lumpur UNHCR office on August 9 [8]. Chow stated, "As the Prime Minister said, there are laws in this country. We cannot allow actions that jeopardise people's lives, affect residents or create obstructions to traffic and public spaces" [8].

The government's next steps include continued enforcement against illegal refugee gatherings and landowners involved in unauthorized settlements, with investigations and possible operations scheduled following the notices issued in Setia Alam.