Arrested 18 Arakanese refugees, except a girl, freed by Malaysia police

Narinjara News, 29 October 2022

Out of 19 refugees, arrested from the office of Arakan Refugee Relief Committee (ARRC) in Kuala Lumpur of Malaysia, all except a 15-year-old girl were released.

"18 of them, who were arrested have been released. Only a girl is left behind,” said ARRC representative Ko Kyan Kyung.

Mentionable is that the Malaysian police raided the ARRC office on 12 October and arrested Rakhine nationals.

Among them, 11 refugees were released on 26 October and 7 people were released next day. However, the 15-year-old girl is still in police custody.

"As she is underage and has no documents, she remains in their custody. I arranged an appointment with her in the prison. We have also requested the UN officials to help her get released as soon as possible,” added the ARRC representative.

Myanmar ethnic organizations in Malaysia and the UN officials initiated for their release and they are working for the girl’s safe release.

No less than 6000 Rakhine people in Malaysia are seeking asylum in UNHCR, but only 30 individuals were granted the refugee status till date.

The ARRC officials continue supporting the Rakhine refugees in various issues including the healthcare and general welfare. Moreover, they are helping the people in applying asylum in Malaysia UNHCR.