For refugees who have spent years building a life in Malaysia, the possibility of being forced to leave raises one difficult question: where can they go next?
Several ethnic Rohingya men expressed fear and uncertainty after they were detained during an immigration enforcement operation in Kelantan on Friday.
According to Sinar Harian, the men were among 362 foreigners detained by the Kelantan Immigration Department during Ops Mega.
‘We have no country’
One of the detainees, 30-year-old Usman, said he had been living in Kelantan for approximately 10 years.
The construction worker, who resides in Pasir Hor, Kubang Kerian, has two children and said he does not know where his family would go if they were ordered to leave Malaysia.
Where are we supposed to go? We like living here because Malaysians are kind.”
Usman acknowledged that the Rohingya community is not always viewed positively by members of the public.
However, he pleaded for people not to judge the entire community based on the actions of certain individuals.
“We do not have a country, and we know many people do not like us. Not all of us are bad. When one Rohingya person does something bad, everyone is labelled as bad.”
Usman said he usually visits Kota Bharu every Friday to purchase groceries after receiving his salary on Thursday.
Living in constant fear despite having UNHCR card
Another detainee, 31-year-old Ebdillah, said he had been living in Kelantan for 12 years and currently resides in Kota Seribong.
Although he possesses a card issued by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, also known as UNHCR, Ebdillah said he continues to live in fear.
Despite this, he remains grateful for the kindness shown by local residents.
The locals here are kind. Malaysia is a safe country, and it is easier to earn a living here.”
Ebdillah, who also works in construction, earns around RM80 a day.
He said he was detained after travelling to Kota Bharu to buy groceries and meet his friends.
Going into the city every Friday had become part of his routine, as he would purchase daily necessities and visit the morning market.
“If we are chased away, we do not know where to go. We only want to live and earn enough to eat.”
Paid RM3,000 to enter Malaysia
Meanwhile, 26-year-old Salman said he had been living in Kelantan for six years and currently works as a shop assistant.
Salman, who is unmarried, claimed he paid an agent RM3,000 to enter Malaysia.
He had previously worked in Selangor but said he preferred living and working in Kelantan, adding that living and working in the state was more enjoyable.
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