Rohingya Refugees Targeted by Hate Speech in Malaysia

Human Rights Research Center
4 minutes ago
3 min read

June 12, 2026

HRRC strongly condemns the spread of misinformation in Malaysia directed towards Rohingya refugees. The Malaysian authorities must do more to disprove this falsified information, prevent its spread online, and protect a vulnerable community within their country.

An online petition calling for the removal of Rohingya refugees from Malaysia has caused alarm within the country’s human rights community. The petition, which has received almost 500,000 signatures, is asking the Malaysian government to resettle the Rohingya in another country.

Since the 1990s, the Rohingya have been forced to flee violence in Myanmar. The latest exodus took place in August 2017, when a military crackdown on the Muslim minority led to 750,000 fleeing the country. While the vast majority fled to Bangladesh, over 100,000 completed the difficult journey to Malaysia. At present, Rohingya comprise 85% of Malaysia’s total asylum seekers and refugees.

The online petition is representative of a growing misinformation campaign aimed at intimidating the Rohingya community within Malaysia. False allegations aimed at the group accused them of demanding citizenship, political power and autonomy over territory. A fabricated poster was shown that claimed to be from the “President of Rohingya Malaysia,” demanding territory be provided to the Rohingya community.

The escalation of this persistent digital misinformation has begun to translate into real-world consequences. A joint statement released by a coalition of civil society organisations within the country states that “Community leaders have reported receiving threats, while personal information and home addresses are being circulated online. Families are living in fear of harassment and violence”. The statement goes on to say that the Rohingya community, which is already vulnerable, should not feel that they are more at risk.

While the Rohingya may have been able to flee the abhorrent violence in Myanmar, life for them in Malaysia is incredibly challenging. As refugees, they are unable to work legally, which often leads them into undocumented employment, where they are vulnerable to exploitation. Rohingya children are also unable to attend state schools and must rely on centres supported by NGOs. Free healthcare is also not accessible.

While Malaysia has been a place of refuge for a large number of Rohingya, the Malaysian government must denounce and take action against misinformation targeting the community. The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) has been quick to condemn the latest outburst of hostile communication, reasserting that the refugees are not in the country for economic gain, but to escape persecution and violence. This crucial point must be reaffirmed by the Malaysian authorities.

Glossary

Abhorrent – Extremely unpleasant, shocking, or morally unacceptable.
Autonomy – The right or ability to govern yourself and make your own decisions without outside control.
Condemnation – Strong public criticism or disapproval of something.
Crackdown – A forceful attempt by authorities to stop or control an activity or group.
Exodus – A large-scale movement of people leaving a place, often because of danger, violence, or hardship.
Fabricated – Invented, made up, or falsely created; not genuine.
Intimidating – Making someone feel frightened, pressured, or less confident.
Misinformation – False or inaccurate information that is spread, whether intentionally or unintentionally.
NGOs – Non-Governmental Organizations; independent groups that work on issues such as human rights, aid, education, or the environment.
Petition – A formal written request signed by many people asking for action or change.
Prolonged – Continuing for a long time or longer than expected.
Refuge – Safety or protection from danger, violence, or persecution.
Refugees – People who are forced to leave their country because of war, violence, persecution, or disaster and seek safety elsewhere.
Resettle – To move people to a new place where they can live permanently.
Rohingya – A mostly Muslim ethnic minority from Myanmar who have faced severe discrimination, violence, and displacement.
Sporadic – Happening occasionally or irregularly, not continuously.
State schools – Schools funded and operated by the government, usually free for students to attend.

References

HRRC accepts NO funding from governments for our research or campaigns. At every step of the way, our impact is made possible because of people like YOU. Make your contribution now!

Rohingya Refugees Targeted by Hate Speech in Malaysia

Recent Posts