KUALA LUMPUR, July 13 -- Federal Territories Minister Tan Sri Annuar Musa expressed surprise after a Malay Mail report highlighted scores of refugees who have been rendered homeless amid an ongoing immigration operation to weed out undocumented migrants.

Speaking to Malay Mail, Annuar said those who are recognised by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) should be allowed to rent, and not be evicted.

"I'm surprised. There is nothing wrong if UNHCR card holders are renting houses. They should be allowed to do so," Annuar said when contacted last night.

Beyond Borders founder Mahi Ramakhrisnan, a non-governmental organisation that has been helping refugees here, told Malay Mail yesterday that her organisationwas helpi...