KUALA LUMPUR- MALAYSIAN Home Ministry secretary-general Mahmood Adam said about 3.4 million foreigners 'disappeared' after entering Malaysia last year.

Citing statistics, he said 28 million foreigners entered the country last year. Of these, 23 million were tourists, and 1.6 million were registered with the Malaysian authorities for various purposes of stay. This left 3.4 million people unaccounted for.

Mr Mahmood disclosed these figures during a visit to the shared border with Thailand over the weekend, Sin Chew Daily reported.

He said Malaysia plans to issue identification cards to refugees who are recognised by the United Nations, allowing them to stay in the country temporarily and avoid arrest as illegal immigrants.

The proposal reflects a softening of Malaysia's position towards refugees, although it continues to refuse them official recognition, Associated Press reported.

Malaysia has declined to join the UN convention on refugees for fear of attracting a flood of immigrants.

Read the full story in Tuesday's edition of The Straits Times.

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