The Perak government announced it will continue providing humanitarian treatment to Rohingya refugees holding UNHCR cards, following international law and humanitarian principles. This was stated by Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad during a press event in Ipoh on June 15, 2026 [1, 2].
Datuk Seri Saarani acknowledged some Rohingya refugees in Manjung and other areas have violated local laws by operating businesses illegally on premises rented from local residents. He stressed that business license holders in Perak are not permitted to sublet or transfer their licenses to others, whether locals or foreigners. Such violations can lead to license revocation by authorities. "Doing so is an offence, and the local authority has the power to revoke the business licence," he said [1, 2].
"Sometimes people see us as weak. Actually, it is not weakness, it is humanity," Saarani added, rejecting criticism of the state's humanitarian approach toward the refugees [1, 2]. He emphasized that expelling Rohingya refugees is not a simple solution due to the conflict and persecution they face in their homeland [2].
Saarani also said authorities "cannot allow" unlawful activities by refugees that breach Perak’s regulations and codes of conduct [2].
The government aims to balance humanitarian treatment for refugees with enforcement of local laws. Monitoring of business licenses and regulatory compliance will continue to prevent illegal operations. The state has not announced new policies but reiterated commitment to uphold both humanitarian obligations and local regulation enforcement [1, 2].
