We save lives and protect all who are forced to flee.
⚠️ Our protection work extends to online spaces, which means we may hide/delete comments with hate/spam/profanity/misinfo/disinfo. LIVING AS A REFUGEE IN MALAYSIA
The various refugee communities are scattered throughout Malaysia, living mostly in the Klang Valley. Instead, refugees share living spaces in groups of up to 40 people or more, liv
ing in low-cost flats or housing areas side by side with local Malaysian homes in cities and small towns. Many also live near the construction sites or plantations where they seek employment. The situation of refugees is difficult as a result of their lack of official status.
• They have no access to legal employment
• They tend to work in jobs that the local population do not wish to take (the 3D jobs: dirty, dangerous and difficult). Some employers exploit their dire situation by paying extremely low or no wages at all
• Their children do not have access to formal education. However, some children are able to attend community-run learning centres and learning centres set up by UNHCR and NGO partners.
• They are able to access healthcare facilities in Malaysia, but the cost of treatment and refugees’ irregular income make healthcare unaffordable to many refugees. UNHCR continues to establish constructive working relationships with different Malaysian authorities and civil society groups to address the challenging issues refugees and asylum-seekers face in the country.
