KUALA LUMPUR: A comprehensive database of refugees and asylum seekers is being compiled to determine the exact figures and to chart the way forward in efforts to manage them, says Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
The Home Minister admitted that the government had yet to have a complete database and was relying on figures from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
"Moving forward, the Home Ministry is currently in the process of collecting data on refugees in the country on our own
"We are committed to doing the right thing and now, that is to start from the beginning, which is to collect data and have a credible database," he said in the wrap-up for his ministry while debating the Suhakam 2020 Annual Report in the Dewan Rakyat Wednesday (June 14).
He said the government's current policy on refugees and asylum seekers was leaning towards facilitating them so they can carry out their livelihoods.
This is in terms of providing access to employment, education and healthcare services, he added.
"How can we help them if we do not have a proper database," said Saifuddin, adding that engagements had been done with the UNHCR to allow data sharing.
Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong (BN-Ayer Hitam) interjected and praised the government's efforts to come up with a pragmatic policy by having a database.
"However, our concern is, we know that the UNHCR has come up with a lot of studies, but at the same time, we realise there are syndicates that have come in to issue UNHCR cards easily.
"How about the fake cards that they own? How do we look at the authenticity of the cards? That is why the numbers have increased up to 185,000," he said, adding that he agreed with the government's move to rectify the issue and screen and certify each cardholder.
Aside from that, Dr Wee raised concerns that some refugees could easily bring their family members into the country.
"These are among the reasons why certain parts of Kuala Lumpur become a popular spot for refugees," he said.
He also asked the government to state its plan whether to allow the refugees to work in the country.
"Now some of them are paid between RM60 to RM80 a day.
"But they are different from our foreign workers. So, what is the policy of the ministry since they can assist us in terms of addressing the shortage of workers?
"Would it be a more pragmatic policy to utilise the existing workforce so it will not be wasted?" Dr Wee asked.
To this, Saifuddin said if the outcome of a further discussion with UNHCR ends with an agreement to share their data, the Home Ministry will screen each of the cardholders properly via all of its relevant agencies such as the police and Special Branch.
"We won't simply accept it, because our duty is to ensure that the security aspect remains protected," the Home Minister said.
"At this point, we are still at the discussion level, where UNHCR has shown its willingness," he said.
On the employment matter, he agreed with Dr Wee's observation and admitted that some of the refugees were doing their own businesses without being tied to any regulatory body.
"The ideal situation now is to have a credible database. Once we know where they are, their age, we can do matching via proper consultation.
"But at the moment, that is the handicap, and I don't think we should be apologetic. If there are weaknesses, we are willing to admit and we will move forward and take action on it," said Saifuddin.
