Taken from FGA's bulletin
There are an estimated 100,000 asylum seekers and refugees in Malaysia. Around 80-90 percent of them are from Myanmar. They live in uncertainty, are afraid of arrest, imprisonment, whipping and deportation, as refugee status is not officially recognized here. There is a higher incidence of sufferers of torture and sexual and gender-based violence. Pregnant woman, the sick, children and babies are also arrested during Immigration raids and brought into detention. Adults who are able to obtain work are sometimes not paid their wages. When raids occur, families are left destitute when the main income earner is arrested. Some stay in juncgle sites in order to avoid arrest and to get jobs in nearby construction sites. Children have no access to education. They live in precarious lives, suffering from fear and anxiety.
I've not met a refugee in person before, but I've heard of their plights. When they are sick, they can't get proper medical treatment without being arrested. Even if they have refugee status awarded by UN, they are not given accommodations, wages, education and food, and they are not allowed to work too. All they get is free medical treatment and freedom to roam in this country.
I know there are a lot going on in the refugee camps and their lives, but many of these stories are left untold. Nevertheless, we can do our part to be a blessing to this community. In commemoration of World Refugee Day (20th June), FGA has launched its 'Refugee Project' where we'll be collecting donations in kind for refugees in Malaysia.
We welcome the following items:
Clothes - for men, women and children (clean and in good condition), such as formal shirts, t-shirts, trousers, blouses, skirts, jeans, socks, shoes, etc. Plain white t-shirts and slippers are particularly needed in detention centres.
Food - rice, canned foods (within validity date), cooking oil, salt and sugar
Toiletries, hygiene and cleaning products - bathing soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, face towels, bath towels, detergent, sanitary napkins (especially needed in detention centres)
For babies and children - nappies (cloth and disposable), milk bottle, milk powder, talcum powder, baby soap, baby lotion, toys, books.
Others - blankets, pillows, bedsheets, mosquito nets, cash.
Let's take some time and reflect on our lives. We've been blessed in many ways we don't realise. These refugees who came in peace didn't have a choice. They didn't have luxury. They didn't have anything at all. You don't need to be spiritual, godly or to have any religion per se to help these people. We just need compassion - one of the basic fundamentals of human kind.
If you feel led to give, do call me or FGA KL.
