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The start of 2026 marked an important moment for refugee documentation in Malaysia with the launch of the Dokumen Pendaftaran Pelarian (DPP) — a government-led refugee registration initiative. The DPP system was officially introduced by the Malaysian Government with effect from 1 January 2026.

What Is the DPP System?

The DPP (Dokumen Pendaftaran Pelarian) is a national refugee registration system initiated by the Malaysian Government. Its purpose is to collect and manage refugee information, including biometric data, under a government-run database. Those recognised through the DPP process will be issued a government-issued refugee identification document that is the sole form of official refugee documentation recognised by Malaysian authorities.

According to government announcements, the initiative is intended to replace the existing reliance on refugee data held by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

Phase 1: Where It’s Being Issued

UNHCR Malaysia has confirmed that the first phase of the DPP programme is focused on refugees and asylum seekers currently in immigration detention centres. This means that, in this initial stage, registration through the DPP is being conducted inside detention facilities.

UNHCR Malaysia has also emphasised that any individual or organisation claiming to register refugees outside of these official processes is not legitimate and refugees should refer only to official government channels for information.

UNHCR Malaysia’s Role Amid Changes

UNHCR continues to operate its own registration procedures in Malaysia. Refugees and asylum seekers can apply for UNHCR registration and be issued with a UNHCR card, which recognises them as persons of concern to UNHCR.

However, because Malaysia is not a signatory to the 1951 UN Refugee Convention or its 1967 Protocol, UNHCR documentation does not carry formal legal status under Malaysian law. It may help reduce the risk of arrest and assist with accessing limited support services, but it is not equivalent to official legal status.

This is one reason the Malaysian Government has moved to develop the DPP system. At the same time, many refugees and asylum seekers — especially those not yet registered with any authority — remain uncertain about how the new system will work in practice.

Our Official Statement

Last week, Rohingya Rights Response (RRR) issued our first official organisational statement on the introduction of the DPP system. In it, we:

Acknowledge the Malaysian Government’s efforts to formalise refugee registration, and
Respectfully note that more accessible information is needed for refugees and asylum seekers to understand what the DPP means for them.

Refugees, including many Rohingya families, have fled persecution and conflict, often with no choice but to seek safety. Ensuring that registration systems are transparent and understandable — especially in languages refugees speak — remains essential for community confidence and protection.

👉 You can read the full RRR statement here: Statement on the Introduction of the Dokumen Pendaftaran Pelarian (DPP)

Looking Ahead

As implementation of the DPP continues, questions remain about:

How DPP registration will affect refugees already documented with UNHCR
Eligibility criteria and interview procedures
The implications for access to basic services such as healthcare, education, and livelihood opportunities

RRR will continue to monitor and share developments on the DPP programme and related refugee protection issues. If you have questions or need support, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Stay tuned for next week’s newsletter, where we will share community feedback from refugees themselves and outline practical steps for staying informed in the changing documentation landscape.

Rohingya Rights Response (RRR), Malaysia