Police open two probes into viral issue involving activist and Myanmar refugee community in Kelantan

LocalPolitics
18 Oct 2026 • 5:22 PM MYT
Malay Mail
Malay Mail

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Malay Mail

KOTA BHARU, Oct 18 — Police have opened two investigation papers following a viral issue involving a social media activist and the Myanmar refugee community in Kelantan, including a robbery case that led to the arrest of two local men.

Kelantan police chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat said the cases were being investigated under Sections 341 and 268, and Section 395 of the Penal Code.

He said two local men had been arrested to assist in investigations into a robbery involving a member of the Rohingya refugee community.

“Police take seriously any issue that could potentially undermine public order and community harmony, and will take appropriate action in accordance with the law,” he said when contacted today.

Mohd Yusoff also referred to Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail’s statement that 199 criminal cases involving Myanmar refugees had been recorded nationwide from 2022 to August 2026.

On the implementation of the Refugee Registration Document by the Home Affairs Ministry, Mohd Yusoff said it was intended to systematically record refugees’ identities and biometric data, as well as assist the authorities in conducting security vetting and verifying the identities of registered individuals.

He advised the public against speculating or spreading unverified information to allow the authorities to complete their investigations.

Meanwhile, the activist, who was detained yesterday afternoon along with 12 other individuals, was released at about noon today.

The release was greeted by about 50 supporters outside the Kota Bharu District Police Headquarters. — Bernama

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