Rohingya targeted in Malaysia as coronavirus stokes xenophobia

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For decades, Muslim-majority Malaysia welcomed Rohingya and largely turned a blind eye to their technically illegal employment in low-paying jobs.

Rohingya refugees look out from their homes, amid Covid-19 outbreak, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. May 18. — Reuters
Rohingya refugees look out from their homes, amid Covid-19 outbreak, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. May 18. — Reuters

But, as in some other parts of the world, the novel coronavirus outbreak has turned sentiment against foreigners, who have been accused of spreading disease, burdening the state and taking jobs as the economy plummets.

While the Rohingya have been the most obvious targets, other migrants are also worried in a country that relies heavily on foreign labour at factories, construction sites and plantations.

Read the full Reuters story here.

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