The initiative will focus on providing targeted multipurpose cash assistance to help individuals and households meet their basic and essential needs. The intervention will be implemented in areas with high refugee populations, including Selangor, Terengganu, Kuala Lumpur, Negeri Sembilan, Kelantan, Johor, Pahang, and Pulau Pinang.

The project aims to reach 400 households, representing approximately 1,400 individuals, who are facing heightened risks and vulnerabilities. Through direct cash assistance, recipients will be empowered to make choices that best address their needs, such as food, shelter, healthcare, and other essential expenses. This approach supports dignity, flexibility, and improved wellbeing among displaced communities. UNHCR seeks implementing partners who can deliver this intervention efficiently and responsibly while adhering to high standards of accountability and protection.

Given the sensitive nature of this cash-based intervention, strict data protection measures must be in place. The project will involve the collection of personal data, including demographic details, vulnerability profiles, household information, financial needs, and payment details where relevant. These data are necessary for assessing eligibility, preventing duplication, and ensuring effective delivery of assistance. Information will be gathered through needs assessments, verifications, and registration processes, and entered into secure systems like UNHCR’s proGres database, with access limited to authorized personnel only.

Data shared with financial service providers for the disbursement of funds will be governed by formal agreements that uphold UNHCR’s data protection principles. Where possible, data will be pseudonymized before transfer to minimize risk. Partners must also be prepared to demonstrate compliance with these standards and outline in their concept notes how data will be managed, including mechanisms for redress, data subject rights, and security protocols.

Interested organizations must submit a detailed concept note outlining the project’s objectives, implementation methodology, expected outputs, and the unique value they bring to the partnership. This should also include an indicative budget, details of procurement processes, and measures for preventing and responding to sexual exploitation and abuse (PSEA). Partners will be assessed based on their technical capacity, operational reach, and ability to deliver best value for money while maintaining high ethical and protection standards.

This project presents an opportunity for experienced organizations to contribute to the protection and resilience of refugee populations in Malaysia through timely, dignified, and needs-based cash assistance.

For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.