15/11/2025
Statement on the Preventable Drowning of Rohingya Refugees
We are not only saddened by the recent tragedy that unfolded in our own coastaline, but are also deeply angry. Few days ago, a boat with nearly 70 Rohingya asylum seekers, including children, capsized off the shore of Langkawi and Thailand. 27 bodies (and counting!) have been recovered during a search operation by both the Malaysian and the Thai navy.
Unfortunately, it is too late. When people on the boat were still alive, they were pushed away, or detained the moment they land. But when they drown, that is when we see our governments taking action. Well, it is too late, and we hold all ASEAN countries accountable, especially Malaysia, Thailand.
These asylum seekers are Rohingyas from Myanmar, who fled the GENOCIDE in their country, hoping for safety in Malaysia. Facing threats of murder, sexual violence, and incarceration, many had no choice but to entrust their lives and life savings to human traffickers, just to secure a seat in the boat.
Even at sea, they were not free from danger. They remained at the mercy of the trafficker, who abuse, r**e, starve, and exploit them.
These human trafficking syndicates are unsurprisingly linked to Malaysian nationals who are profiting from the suffering of the most vulnerable people in this region, exposing the deep root causes of such tragedies.
We urge all Malaysians:
1. Acknowledge the suffering and ongoing genocide faces by the Rohingya and other persecuted communities
2. Reject racism and hate speech against refugees and asylum seekers
3. Demand that the Malaysian government ensure safe passage and protection for asylum seekers, including those just rescued from the sea, instead of detaining or deporting them.
No one should have to risk their life in search of safety.
14 November 2025
Refugee Emergency Fund (REF)
