Key facts
- Anti-Rohingya sentiment is escalating in Malaysia following a controversy over a Hari Raya Haji cattle sacrifice.
- A petition demanding the removal of Rohingya refugees has gathered over 130,000 signatures.
- The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) has condemned the "dangerous trend of dehumanisation" targeting the Rohingya.
- Mohammed Abdulkarim Al-Issa, secretary-general of the Muslim World League, has called for empathy towards the Rohingya.
Escalating anti-Rohingya sentiment in Malaysia has prompted a call for empathy from Mohammed Abdulkarim Al-Issa, secretary-general of the Muslim World League. The controversy was ignited by a Hari Raya Haji ritual where the Rohingya community slaughtered 60 cattle, leading to complaints about waste disposal. This incident quickly morphed into broader criticism of the refugees' presence, with accusations of burdening public resources and competing for jobs, despite reports that local businesses sponsored the cattle.
An online petition demanding the removal of Rohingya refugees has garnered over 130,000 signatures, reflecting a pattern where disputes involving the Rohingya community often fuel widespread hostility. Activists highlight that issues ranging from jobs and crime allegations to hygiene concerns and perceived wealth contribute to this sentiment.
The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) has condemned the "dangerous trend of dehumanisation" and urged Malaysians to reject misinformation and inflammatory rhetoric. Malaysia hosts over 200,000 refugees registered with UNHCR, including more than 120,000 Rohingya, who have fled persecution in Myanmar but lack formal legal status in Malaysia, a non-signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention. This lack of status limits their access to legal employment, education, and healthcare.