MALAYSIA did not create the Rohingya crisis. The roots of the issue lie in decades of conflict, persecution and statelessness in Myanmar. Yet Malaysia increasingly bears the social, economic and administrative consequences of a crisis that originated beyond its borders. This is why Malaysia must stop treating the issue as a temporary problem requiring short-term responses. Regardless of what UNHCR, non-governmental organisations or other countries do, Malaysia needs a comprehensive national policy that safeguards national interests while upholding humanitarian principles. At present, Malaysia has mechanisms to manage refugees while they are here, but it lacks a broader long-term strategy focused on reducing dependency, strengthening accountability and preparing for eventual repatriation, resettlement or other durable solutions. Refugees who are granted temporary protection should be allowed to participate in the formal economy through regulated employment arrangements. This would enable them to contribute economically while reducing the risks associated with informal employment, exploitation and undocumented work. One option would be to establish designated employment programmes in sectors facing genuine labour shortages. Participation should be subject to registration, monitoring and periodic review to ensure compliance with Malaysian laws and regulations. Malaysia could also explore a savings mechanism whereby a portion of a refugee's earnings...