Why is Malaysia no longer relying solely on UNHCR data?

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Malaysia Initiates Comprehensive Refugee Registration Due to Discrepancies with UNHCR Data

The Malaysian Immigration Department is no longer solely relying on data from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) because it believes the actual number of refugees in the country is higher than the approximately 200,000 individuals currently recorded. To address this perceived gap, the government has launched a comprehensive registration exercise encompassing all refugees, irrespective of their UNHCR card status.
Government Undertakes Nationwide Refugee Registration

A nationwide registration initiative is currently underway, coordinated by the National Security Council, to identify and record all refugees present in Malaysia. This exercise aims to capture a more accurate demographic count than previously available through UNHCR's existing records. The registration process has commenced and is scheduled to continue until the end of the current year.
Discrepancy Between Perceived and Recorded Numbers

Immigration director-general Datuk Zakaria Shaaban stated that the department's assessment indicates a refugee population exceeding the figure provided by UNHCR. This belief underpins the decision to pursue an independent and thorough registration of all individuals seeking refuge in Malaysia. The department's stance signifies a move away from exclusively using UNHCR-provided statistics.
UNHCR Records Indicate Over 200,000 Registered Individuals

Current UNHCR records acknowledge over 200,000 individuals holding refugee cards in Malaysia. These registered refugees represent a diverse population, originating from more than 140 different countries. This existing figure serves as a baseline, but the Immigration Department suspects the true number is substantially greater.

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Why is Malaysia no longer relying solely on UNHCR data?

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