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Despite high risks en route and upon arrival, Rohingya movement to Malaysia continues.
This snapshot focuses on the specific risks facing Rohingya women and children1 before leaving Myanmar or Bangladesh, during their journey, and upon arrival in Malaysia. MMC Asia has been conducting survey with Rohingya in Malaysia since January 2019 in order to better understand their migration experiences. This snapshot contributes to building a solid evidence base to inform targeted responses that improve protection for Rohingya refugees and inform advocacy efforts related to movements to Malaysia.
Key findings
• A majority of Rohingya women surveyed left Myanmar or Bangladesh due to violence, insecurity, and conflict (83%) and a lack of rights and freedom (80%).
• Detention and physical violence were the two primary risks reported for women en route. Younger Rohingya women more often reported risks of sexual violence, death, and kidnapping.
• Almost all Rohingya women surveyed were not making any money before departure and upon arrival in Malaysia. Meanwhile, 57% report having accumulated new debts in Malaysia, mostly relating to living expenses (53%), medical costs (42%), immigration-related fees (7%) and school fees (7%).
• Rohingya women face greater marginalization in Malaysia, as many fear leaving their houses or moving around freely due to risks of arrest and detention (27%).
• Police (86%) and immigration officials (64%) are cited as the main perpetrators of abuses in Malaysia and were considered among the top three likely perpetrators of abuse en route, underscoring that female Rohingya refugees face threats from state authorities at departure, in transit and upon arrival in Malaysia