Three Rohingya men arrested in Malaysia for allegedly using fake UNHCR cards

Malaysian immigration authorities have arrested three Rohingya men in the northeastern state of Kelantan for allegedly using forged United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) identification cards, following a joint enforcement operation targeting immigration-related offences.

The arrests were made during Op Mega Bersepadu in Kota Bharu, where officials said the suspects were found carrying UNHCR cards that allegedly contained false identity information.

Fake UNHCR Cards Detected

Kelantan Immigration Department Director Garry Belayong Anak John Siki said officers identified inconsistencies after comparing the cardholders’ biometric data with their physical appearance.

Further verification, including scans of the cards’ QR codes, revealed that the photographs and personal information embedded in the documents did not match the individuals carrying them.

“They claimed the cards were obtained from friends to secure employment. However, we will conduct further investigations to identify the source of the cards,” Garry told reporters after the operation.

He added that if the documents are confirmed to be counterfeit, the case will be referred to the relevant authorities for further legal action.

Joint Operation Targets Immigration Violations

The enforcement operation began at 9:00 a.m. and covered 11 locations across Kota Bharu known to be frequented by migrant communities.

The operation was conducted jointly by the Kelantan Immigration Department, the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN), and the Kota Bharu Municipal Council – Islamic City (MPKB-BRI).

Authorities screened 362 foreign nationals from Myanmar, Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, Indonesia, and Thailand during the operation.

Twenty Foreign Nationals Detained

According to immigration officials, 20 foreign men, aged between 30 and 60, were detained for alleged violations of Malaysia’s Immigration Act 1959/63 and the Immigration Regulations 1963.

Officials said those detained would remain in custody to assist investigations before their case files are submitted to the Deputy Public Prosecutor for further legal action.

Most Rohingya Held Valid UNHCR Documents

Despite the arrests, Garry said the majority of Rohingya refugees inspected during the operation possessed valid UNHCR identification cards, while most other foreign nationals checked were found to have valid work permits.

The investigation into the alleged forged UNHCR cards remains ongoing.