The Rohingya Ulama Council has denied claims the community, who are refugees, is seeking Malaysian citizenship or laying claim to any territory in the country.
Council chairman Rahimullah Hussain said the allegations were fabricated to incite hatred against the Rohingya.
“These accusations disrupt our lives here,” he said in a statement in response to claims on social media that the Rohingya refugees were demanding recognition as Malaysian citizens.
Rahimullah said the Rohingya were, in fact, fighting for citizenship rights in their “homeland”, Myanmar.
He claimed that irresponsible parties had altered statements made by the Rohingya to give the impression the community were demanding to be recognised as Malaysian citizens.
Rahimullah also denied allegations circulating online that Rohingya refugees had taken control of the Selayang wholesale market, saying it was baseless.
However, he acknowledged the shortcomings of a small segment of the community and apologise for any offence caused to the Malaysian people.
“But the actions of a few should not be linked to the Rohingya community as a whole,” he said, adding that those who break the law should be held accountable.
The council’s statement also follows a wave anti-Rohingya sentiment in the country.
Earlier this month, an online petition was launched, calling for the Rohingya’s removal and arguing that their growing numbers were putting pressure on infrastructure and social services.
Human rights group Pusat Komas condemned the petition, which it says had sparked a surge in hostility towards the Rohingya in Malaysia.
The group also said the petition was filled with misinformation that could lead to discrimination against the Rohingya community.