Marginalised community on the edge

Migrants, refugees and asylum seekers at risk of starvation, says NGO

PETALING JAYA: As restrictions on movement tightens, those marginalised in society are being pushed closer to the edge. Their access to basic necessities, including food, hangs in the balance.

The issue has become very serious, according to Adrian Pereira, founder of NorthSouth

Initiative, a non-governmental organisation dealing with human rights, social justice and sustainable development.

“They already earn pittance, hardly enough to make ends meet. With the movement control order (MCO) in place, they now risk losing their only source of income,” he told theSun.

Pereira said these documented and undocumented migrants, refugees and asylum seekers are at risk of starving.

“They have to send money home to their families in their countries of origin, and without a job, they will not get paid,” he said.

He estimates that those earning minimum wages are losing 30% to 40% of their monthly income now that they are not allowed to work overtime. Another matter of concern, said Pereira, is the fear that they may be infected by the Covid-19 virus.

“They are afraid to show up for tests for fear that they will be arrested, despite assurances from authorities that this will not be the case.”

Pereira was commenting on a statement by Senior Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob that undocumented migrants who attended the tabligh gathering in Sri Petaling will not be penalised if they come forward to be screened for Covid-19.

“The authorities have been brutal with undocumented migrant workers for years. We can’t expect them to just show up for screening without any black-and-white assurances.”

Human rights group Tenaganita director Glorene Das said many of these people work at markets and restaurants as cleaners.

“Many have lost their income and are borrowing from friends and employers who will probably deduct their future wages to repay the debt,” she said.

She claims that many among the migrants are helping each other by sharing food.

Das said the priority now is to ensure those among the marginalised remain healthy.

“We are taking steps to inform them of the senior minister’s undertaking that no action will be taken against undocumented workers,” she told theSun.

She said the biggest challenge is geting access to funds to help these workers. “Many don’t see them as a priority group that needs help.”

Donations can be deposited into CIMB account 800 022 7264 under Tenaganita Sdn Bhd with the swift code: CIBBMYKL. Inquiries can be directed to general@tenaganita.net