Human rights group Fortify Rights has urged Malaysia to take stronger action against growing anti-Rohingya sentiment, warning that rising hate speech and misinformation are putting refugees at greater risk while undermining the country's humanitarian reputation.

The appeal follows a petition signed by more than 400,000 people calling for the removal of Rohingya refugees from Malaysia. Fortify Rights said the campaign has been fuelled by false claims linking Rohingya to crime, despite official data showing they account for only a tiny fraction of criminal cases.

The organisation called on the Malaysian government to publicly counter misinformation, investigate incitement to hatred, and ensure the protection of refugees from discrimination and violence. It also urged authorities to speed up refugee registration and create legal pathways for undocumented refugees.

According to diplomats familiar with regional discussions, the long-term solution lies not in pushing refugees away but in addressing the root causes of the crisis by restoring the Rohingya's citizenship, rights and security in Myanmar through stronger regional and international engagement.

Fortify Rights also called on Malaysia and ASEAN to increase diplomatic pressure on Myanmar to restore Rohingya citizenship, end ongoing atrocities and create conditions for the safe, voluntary and dignified return of refugees.

The Rohingya have faced decades of persecution since Myanmar's 1982 Citizenship Law stripped them of citizenship, with hundreds of thousands fleeing military crackdowns in 2016 and 2017. Rights groups say the continuing displacement highlights the need for a regional response that combines humanitarian protection with sustained diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis.

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