Perkim: Increase in membership applications from Cambodians
KUANTAN: The Pahang chapter of the Malaysia Muslim Welfare Organisation (Perkim) has recorded an increase in new membership applications from Cambodians, including those from the Champa Muslim community living here.
Its secretary, Mahadi Deraman, said some of them used the nongovernmental organisation’s card as an identification document. He said many of the Champa Muslims living here as refugees assumed the membership card was an identification document authorised by the government.
“It is a Perkim membership card and not an identification document as they think. Some of them claim that the membership cards are helpful when they are out fishing at sea or doing odd jobs in nearby villages, especially when the authorities ask for their identification documents.
“Muslim foreigners can become Perkim affiliate members. We assist them in terms of welfare and education to ensure they live a normal life and are independent.”
Mahadi said Champa Muslims entered Malaysia as refugees following a crisis in their country and the Cherating refugee camp was set up to provide shelter.
He said the camp, equipped with a clinic and school, was closed after 10 years and the refugees moved to other parts of the country. Some remained in Kuantan while others moved to Pekan.
“Some question why they (Muslim Cambodians) did not return to their country after the turmoil ended and instead their numbers have been increasing over the years. The government should look into their needs with the assistance of NGOs and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.
“This includes healthcare and education. Many of the stateless children and their parents are not aware that they have access to formal education in government schools.”
Mahadi said some of them had lived in Malaysia for 20 to 30 years but had yet to obtain identification documents.
“Some members seek Perkim’s assistance to secure citizenship status, but it is not a simple process. However, their children have MyKad and even birth certificates.”
Bebar assemblyman Datuk Fakhruddin Mohd Ariff said he was aware of the presence of the Champa Muslim community in his constituency.
He said the pioneer batch living here comprised refugees who fled Cambodia following a conflict in the 1970s.
“Those living in Pulau Keladi have red identity cards, but many of those who arrived much later do not have proper documents.”