INPUT DATA, REFUGEES URGED
Move to ensure no crime takes place, says deputy minister
AINA NASA
KUALA LUMPUR news@nst.com.my
REFUGEES in the country are being encouraged to input their biometric data via the new Tracking Refugee Information System (TRIS), says Deputy Home Minister Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed.
He said it was to ensure that the government had updated and extensive data on these refugees, in addition to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) cards.
“With TRIS, the government will have records of refugees.
“No loopholes will be available for those who want to take advantage of the refugee status.
“Without the biometric data, transnational crimes, terrorist activities and human trafficking with regards to refugees will happen under the radar,” he said at the My Refugee Centre (MyRC) here yesterday.
Since the system began in April, only 291 refugees have registered in the TRIS out of the 150,000 registered with UNHCR in Malaysia.
“What is important now is that we do not want ‘ghosts’ in the country. Refugees have to register with TRIS so the government can monitor their movements.”
The TRIS registration process for refugees was under the administration of UNHCR at the moment as only those with UNHCR cards could proceed, Jazlan said.
However, as the number of people registering was still small and the process was moving too slow, the ministry may resort to reaching out to the refugees directly.
UNHCR, in a statement, said they were working closely with the government to address the complex challenge of refugees and mixed migration in the country.
“We are fully committed to cooperating with the government to find ways that better protect refugees, which, at the same time, address any legitimate concerns about security, law, and order.
“This includes working closely with the Home Ministry and offering advice and assistance to a contracted company to implement a pilot registration scheme.”