Malaysia will officially begin registering refugees and asylum seekers under a new biometric-based system starting January 1, 2026. Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Shamsul Anuar Nasarah announced in parliament that the initiative, developed under National Security Council Directive No. 23, aims to create the country’s first comprehensive government database on refugees. The Immigration Department will oversee the registration process, while the system is being developed with technical support from MIMOS Berhad. The database will assist in planning social welfare, employment, and education programs, as well as strengthening national security. Refugees will receive a Refugee Registration Document (DPP), granting them legal access to residence, work, education, and healthcare in Peninsular Malaysia. Although Malaysia is not a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention or the 1967 Protocol, the government expects around 200,000 refugees to be included in the database. Coordination among ministries and NGOs is ongoing to ensure transparency and effective implementation.

In a rare move in Malaysian history, former Prime Minister Dr. Mahathir Mohamad lodged a police complaint against current Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, accusing him of economic sabotage and undermining national sovereignty. The complaint, filed at the Putrajaya police headquarters, centers on the Malaysia–US Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART) signed by Anwar and former US President Donald Trump on October 26. Mahathir claims the deal threatens Malaysia’s political and economic independence, increases foreign dependence, and weakens domestic policy-making power. He highlighted clauses that could compel Malaysia to comply with unilateral US sanctions and share cross-border data with Washington. Mahathir also cited 14 potential negative impacts, including risks to the halal industry, bumiputra empowerment, and rare earth exports. He demanded investigations into Anwar, the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry, and all officials involved. The agreement has sparked widespread criticism, with former Attorney General Tommy Thomas alleging Malaysia signed a US-drafted deal without negotiation. The controversy has intensified political debate over Malaysia’s sovereignty and trade policy direction.

Malaysia’s Ministry of Human Resources has denied issuing any list of 25 recruiting agencies authorized to send Bangladeshi workers under the calling visa system, calling the viral social media posts baseless. The ministry confirmed that no such notice or document exists on official government websites or announcements. Past discussions on agency-based recruitment have been replaced by Malaysia’s new digital and transparent hiring system, which includes e-visa and online verification processes. The Bangladesh High Commission in Kuala Lumpur also urged job seekers to rely only on official information released through government channels and warned against paying money or submitting passports to unauthorized agents. Experts said the spread of fake lists is a tactic by brokers exploiting uncertainty to defraud applicants. They emphasized that both governments must strengthen monitoring and public awareness to prevent misinformation and protect migrant workers from financial and legal risks.

The ASEAN Technology Cooperation Summit, held in Kuala Lumpur’s Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre, set new participation records with over 2,000 onsite delegates, 50,000 online viewers, and representatives from 13 countries. The three-day event, inaugurated by Malaysia’s Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Amar Haji Fadillah Haji Yusof, underscored technology, human capital, and regional unity as key drivers of future transformation. Malaysia reaffirmed its commitment to boost research funding and attract global innovators. The summit launched several initiatives, including the Cooperation and Development Summit 2025 and multiple MoUs between regional innovation bodies. Discussions covered emerging technologies, AI governance, sustainable supply chains, and cross-border R&D. Industry leaders emphasized ASEAN’s growing interdependence with the APEC region and Malaysia’s strategic role in digital trade and green industry. The event reinforced Malaysia’s position as a hub for ASEAN innovation diplomacy and regional science collaboration, paving the way for long-term partnerships and policy frameworks.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is under growing political pressure following his coalition’s heavy defeat in the Sabah state election. His Pakatan Harapan (PH) alliance won only one of 20 contested seats, down from seven previously, marking what analysts describe as a disastrous outcome. The election, held on November 29, was seen as an early test of public support ahead of the 2028 national polls. Despite PH’s setback, the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) coalition—an ally of Anwar’s government—retained control of the state. However, dissatisfaction over Sabah’s limited autonomy and unfulfilled federal promises remains strong. Analysts suggest local voters prioritized infrastructure, water, electricity, and autonomy issues over national politics. Anwar congratulated GRS leader Hajiji Noor on his re-election as chief minister but avoided direct comment on his coalition’s loss. The result underscores the challenges Anwar faces in addressing Sabah’s long-standing grievances and maintaining national unity.

Malaysian immigration authorities arrested 92 undocumented migrants, including eight Bangladeshis, during a major operation in the Tampoi Indah area of Johor state. The coordinated raids, led by Johor Immigration Director Datuk Mohd Rusdi Mohd Darus, began early Friday and targeted businesses and residences suspected of employing or sheltering illegal foreign workers. The operation, conducted under five simultaneous campaigns, was based on intelligence and public tips. Those detained include nationals from Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Pakistan, China, and the Philippines, aged between 19 and 57. Officials stated that the migrants violated Malaysia’s Immigration Act 1959/63 and Immigration Regulations 1963 by working without valid permits or breaching visa conditions. The detainees have been taken to the Setia Tropika Immigration Depot for questioning as investigations continue.

A special prayer gathering was held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, seeking the recovery and well-being of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. The event took place on Friday, November 28, after the Jumma prayers at Surau Baitul Muqarram in Titiwangsa, organized by Malaysia BNP and its affiliated bodies. The prayer was led by Hafiz Maulana Ikramul Haque, who offered special supplications for Khaleda Zia’s speedy recovery. Senior leaders of Malaysia BNP, including Talha Mahmud, Dr. S. M. Rahman Tonu, and Kazi Salahuddin, attended the event along with several expatriate Bangladeshis. Party leaders stated that both local and expatriate Bangladeshis are praying for Khaleda Zia’s health, and similar prayer events are being held in Bangladesh and abroad. Khaleda Zia is currently under treatment at Evercare Hospital’s Coronary Care Unit (CCU) in Dhaka under the supervision of specialist doctors.

A new 'Bangladeshi Booth' has been inaugurated at Malaysia’s Prince Court Medical Centre to assist Bangladeshi patients seeking medical treatment abroad. The initiative, launched by Expat Hospital, aims to simplify the medical travel process for Bangladeshi citizens by providing services in the Bangla language and offering comprehensive support including visa and travel assistance, hotel booking, hospital appointments, coordination with specialists, halal food arrangements, and post-treatment online follow-ups. The booth serves as a reliable information and support center, helping patients overcome language barriers and logistical challenges. The inauguration follows a memorandum of understanding signed earlier in November, attended by Malaysia’s tourism minister, underscoring the importance of this collaboration. Hospital officials and guests described the booth as a milestone that strengthens medical tourism ties between Bangladesh and Malaysia, making high-quality healthcare more accessible and comfortable for Bangladeshi patients.

The 54th Armed Forces Day of Bangladesh was celebrated with due honor in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The Bangladesh High Commission organized a reception at Bukit Kiara Resort’s Dewan Berjaya Hall on November 25. Vice Admiral Dato Pahlawan TS Shamsuddin bin Haji Ludin, Deputy Chief of the Royal Malaysian Navy, attended as the chief guest along with his spouse. The event began with the national anthems of Bangladesh and Malaysia, followed by a documentary highlighting the significance of the Armed Forces Day. Defense Adviser Commodore Md Hasan Tariq Mondal emphasized the importance of strengthening defense ties between the two nations. High Commissioner Manjurul Karim Khan Chowdhury underscored the role of Bangladesh’s armed forces in the country’s independence and their global reputation for professionalism, particularly in UN peacekeeping missions. The celebration concluded with a ceremonial cake cutting. Representatives from 40 countries, Malaysian defense officials, ministry representatives, and members of the Bangladeshi community attended the event.

Malaysia is set to prohibit social media use for individuals under 16 years old starting next year, following similar moves by Australia and several European countries. Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil announced that the cabinet has approved the measure as part of broader efforts to protect young people from cyberbullying, scams, and sexual harassment. The government plans to implement electronic age verification using ID cards or passports. Additionally, Malaysia will require major social media and messaging platforms with over eight million users to obtain licenses beginning in January. These platforms must comply with age verification, content safety, and transparency regulations. The initiative aligns Malaysia with global efforts to make the internet safer for children and families, while also tightening oversight of digital platforms.

Malaysia has deported 111 foreign migrants, including 49 Bangladeshi nationals, after they completed their prison terms. The deportation took place in the third week of November from the Pineapple Town Immigration Depot in Johor state. According to a notice posted by the Johor Immigration Department on November 24, the deportees also included 24 Indonesians, 12 Nepalese, 9 Pakistanis, 4 Cambodians, 4 Indians, 3 Chinese, and 2 each from Laos, Vietnam, and Singapore. The repatriation was carried out through Kuala Lumpur International Airport terminals 1 and 2, Senai International Airport, the Sultan Iskandar Building Complex, and the Stulang Laut Ferry Terminal. The cost of travel was covered by the detainees’ personal savings, family support, or assistance from their respective embassies. Malaysian authorities said such repatriation operations are conducted regularly to prevent overstaying by foreign nationals who have completed their sentences.

Malaysia plans to prohibit social media use for individuals under 16 starting next year, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil announced on Sunday. The move aims to protect minors from online harms such as cyberbullying, financial scams, and sexual exploitation. The government is reviewing similar restrictions implemented in countries like Australia, which is preparing to deactivate accounts of users under 16. Fadzil expressed hope that social media companies will comply with the forthcoming regulations. The decision comes amid growing global concern over the impact of social media on child safety and mental health, with major platforms like TikTok, Snapchat, Google, and Meta facing lawsuits in the United States. In Malaysia, authorities have also tightened oversight of online gambling and content related to race, religion, and the royal family. The proposed ban reflects a broader effort to create a safer digital environment for young users.

Heavy monsoon rains have triggered severe flooding across several Malaysian states, forcing thousands of residents to evacuate. As of Monday morning, around 10,469 people have been relocated to temporary relief centers, up from about 9,000 the previous night. Kelantan is the worst-affected state, with districts such as Tumpat, Kota Bharu, Pasir Puteh, and Bachok inundated, displacing over 8,000 people. Authorities have opened 33 relief centers in the state to accommodate evacuees. In Perak, 946 residents have taken shelter across several districts, while northern regions like Kedah, Perlis, and Penang have also reported evacuations. Smaller numbers of displaced people have been reported in Terengganu and Selangor. The floods, caused by the northeast monsoon, have disrupted daily life and raised concerns about further rainfall in the coming days as emergency services continue rescue and relief operations.

More than 2,100 people have been displaced after sudden floods struck three Malaysian states—Kedah, Kelantan, and Terengganu—due to ongoing monsoon rains. Kedah has recently been added to the list of affected regions, with 225 residents from 66 families taking shelter in three relief centers in Kulim district. In Kelantan, the situation has worsened, with the number of evacuees rising from 1,170 on Saturday night to 1,623 by Sunday morning. Twelve relief centers are currently operating across Kota Bharu, Tumpat, and Bachok districts, where continuous heavy rainfall has been reported since Friday. In Terengganu, conditions have slightly improved, with 264 people still sheltered at Kampung Pulau Redang Mosque relief center. Malaysia’s Meteorological Department has issued thunderstorm and heavy rain warnings for seven states, including Perak, Pahang, Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Johor, Melaka, and Sabah, urging residents in vulnerable districts to remain cautious.

Malaysian immigration authorities have detained 468 foreign nationals, including 174 Bangladeshis, during a large-scale operation in the Cameron Highlands on November 20. The raid, named 'Op Jempur,' took place between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. across four zones covering business areas, construction sites, and vegetable farms. A total of 547 immigration officers participated in the operation, which was planned a month earlier following complaints from local residents. Immigration Director-General Datuk Zakaria Shaaban stated that the district has become a hotspot for undocumented workers due to its agricultural activities and distance from urban centers. Authorities checked documents of 1,886 foreigners and found several cases of fake temporary work visit passes. Those arrested include citizens from Myanmar, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Nepal, Pakistan, India, the Philippines, Thailand, Sri Lanka, China, and Cambodia. The detainees, aged between 20 and 54, have been sent to detention depots in Kelantan, Perak, and Selangor. Since early 2025, Malaysia has arrested nearly 84,000 undocumented migrants nationwide.