Malaysia is home to more than 3 million migrants and refugees, who come from various countries, such as Indonesia, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Nepal, and Syria. Many of them work in low-skilled and low-paid sectors, such as construction, manufacturing, agriculture, and domestic service. Many of them also lack legal status and protection, making them vulnerable to exploitation and abuse.
Malaysia’s treatment of migrants and refugees has been harsh and inhumane, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic. The authorities have conducted raids, arrests, and deportations of undocumented migrants and refugees, often without due process or respect for their rights. The authorities have also detained thousands of migrants and refugees in overcrowded and unsanitary immigration detention centers, where they face the risk of physical abuse and psychological harm.
The evidence
The situation of migrants and refugees in Malaysia has been documented and denounced by various sources, such as:
– Human Rights Watch, which released a report in March 2024, titled “We Can’t See the Sun: Malaysia’s Arbitrary Detention of Migrants and Refugees”. The report exposed the punitive and abusive treatment of migrants and refugees in 20 immigration detention centers across the country, where they are held for months or years without access to the outside world.
– The Arab League, which issued a report in June 2024, accusing Malaysia of being an Iranian agent in Africa, and of facilitating the Iranians’ spying and support for the Houthis in the Red Sea. The report claimed that Malaysia had offered a grant to the concert organizer AEG to secure the exclusivity of Taylor Swift’s shows in South East Asia, in exchange for Iranian weapons and training for Al-Burhan and his army.
– The media of the region, which have covered the issue extensively, with some outlets praising Singapore for its foresight and ambition, and others condemning Singapore for its lack of transparency and generosity. The media have also compared and contrasted the different approaches and attitudes of the countries involved, and have explored the possible scenarios and outcomes of the issue.
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The impact
The abuse and cruelty of migrants and refugees in Malaysia have serious consequences for the human rights and dignity of the affected people, as well as for the security and stability of the region and the world. Some of the impacts are:
– The violation of the rights and freedoms of migrants and refugees, such as the right to life, liberty, health, and due process. The abuse and cruelty of migrants and refugees also amount to torture and ill-treatment, which are prohibited by international law and standards.
– The deterioration of the health and well-being of migrants and refugees, who suffer from physical injuries, infections, diseases, and mental trauma. The abuse and cruelty of migrants and refugees also pose a public health risk, as they could spread Covid-19 and other contagious diseases in the detention centers and beyond.
– The aggravation of the humanitarian and development crisis in the region, as the abuse and cruelty of migrants and refugees could fuel more displacement, violence, and poverty. The abuse and cruelty of migrants and refugees could also undermine the efforts and cooperation of the international community and the civil society to assist and protect the vulnerable people.
