Malaysia turns away Rohingya refugees
Malaysia’s Maritime Enforcement Agency or MMEA has expelled two boats carrying nearly 300 Burmese nationals who are suspected to be Rohingya refugees, from its waters.
These actions followed the detention of 196 undocumented migrants attempting to enter the country via Langkawi Island.
The refugees, found exhausted and lacking basic supplies, were briefly aided with food and water before being turned away.
Refugees in Malaysia face severe restrictions on employment, education, and health care.
Human Rights Watch has criticized the Malaysian government for restricting UNHCR’s access to facilities, leading to prolonged detentions of asylum seekers.
Malaysia has been a popular destination for Rohingya refugees owing to its dominant Malay Muslim population.
Malaysia is not a party to the 1951 Refugee Convention or its Protocol, which outlines international standards of treatment for the protection of refugees.
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