Protection risks faced by Rohingya and Bangladeshis in Malaysia amid the COVID-19 crisis

Since May 2020, MMC Asia has been interviewing Rohingya and Bangladeshis in Malaysia
to better understand their migration experiences and needs during the COVID-19
pandemic. As the crisis continues to evolve, the secondary impacts of COVID-19, including
widespread loss of livelihoods, shrinking protection spaces, increased restrictions on
movement and rising levels of discrimination become more apparent.

This snapshot focuses on the protection risks facing Bangladeshis and Rohingya
in Malaysia amid the crisis. These include rising xenophobia, arrest, detention and
deportation. It aims to contribute towards building a solid evidence base to inform
targeted responses on the ground, as well as advocacy efforts related to the challenges
facing Bangladeshis and Rohingya in Malaysia.