Malaysia cracks down on Burmese migrants

Kuala Lumpur, July 2 (Khonumthung) :Malaysia has stepped up its crackdown against illegal migrants from Burma. Malaysia’s volunteer corps, the RELA rounded up 200 Burmese nationals hailing from Chin state in a fresh crackdown which began on June 28.

During the operation, RELA allegedly arrested 165 Chin refugees, UNHCR card holders and undocumented Chin migrants. They are being detained in Semenyih immigration detention camp in Kuala Lampur in Malaysia.

The RELA later released 15 UNHCR card holders enlisted for a resettlement programme in USA and Australia. But when the rest of the detainees will be freed is uncertain.

Most Myanmar nationals from Chin state being detained in the immigration detention camp in Malaysia were said to be trying to procure UNHCR cards.

Chin refugees in Malaysia said that Myanmar nationals in Malaysia live in constant fear because RELA keeps tracking down undocumented migrants from Myanmar.

“The condition is very bad as they (RELA) keep hunting us. Some are hiding in forests. No one dares to go out”, said Chin refugee in Kuala Lampur.

The crack down on documented refugees clearly indicates RELA is consistently disregarding the UNHCR, he added.

Malaysia’s immigration and volunteer corps launched the operation against illegal migrants in 2006. The penalty to detainees range between two to six months in prison while some are caned.

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