Rohingya refugees in Malaysia mark Eid al-Fitr separated from their families

Rohingya refugees in Malaysia mark Eid al-Fitr separated from their families
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Thousands of Rohingya refugees in Malaysia spent another Eid separated from their families, highlighting ongoing challenges faced by the stateless community, an article by South China Morning Post reported.

Many Rohingya remain in immigration detention centres, where families are split and access to basic services, including healthcare and legal protections, is limited.

Malaysia has not formally recognised refugees under international law, leaving the community vulnerable to detention, exploitation in low-paid work, and prolonged confinement. Rights groups report overcrowding, beatings, and restricted access to healthcare in detention facilities, and external monitoring by the UNHCR has been largely barred since 2019.

Advocates say the system causes significant emotional distress, particularly for children and families kept apart. Calls have been made for Malaysia to allow external oversight, provide temporary legal status, and allow refugees to work legally while in the country.

Government figures indicate that over 21,000 migrants and refugees are currently held in Malaysian detention centres, with Rohingya making up a significant proportion. Rights groups continue to urge reforms to ensure refugees are treated humanely and not as criminals.