COVID-19: Fear still exists among refugees to undergo test

As the government ramps up coronavirus tests in Malaysia, the real challenge will be getting the refugee community to come forward and get the screening.

Doctors Without Borders (MSF) Head of Mission in Malaysia, Beatrice Lau said although the government has allowed undocumented foreigners, suspected for COVID-19 to be tested, there is still fear among them.

“We have witnessed how the fear of being reported to Immigration services has deterred many refugees from seeking proper and timely treatment,” she said in a statement.

MSF, therefore, calls for an unequivocal repeal of Circular 10/2001 by the Ministry of Health.

“They have been living under a constant threat of arrest when visiting healthcare facilities since Circular 10/2001 was first put in place almost 20 years ago.

“This repeal can prevent similar delays in healthcare-seeking in the future, ensuring effective public health for the entire population” she explained.

MSF also acknowledges and commends the announcement by Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri to neither look into the status nor take any action on those in the country without legal status.

Chair of the Asia Pacific Refugee Rights Network's Rohingya Working Group Liliane Fan also welcomes this move by the government, saying: "This is an important step, as these communities often live in fear. This a really huge effort that needs to take place,"

Fan also reiterates the need for awareness and outreach towards the asylum-seeking population in Malaysia which includes the refugees and the undocumented migrants.

"We've done a lot of work to explain to these communities that they can receive free tests and treatments.

"We actually had to do lobby government and tell them 'Look, it's really important that a clear statement is given and that nobody is going to get arrested for lack of documentation.' The priority now is health, and health only," Fan said on 'Consider This' on Thursday.

On Monday, the authorities said it is trying o track down an estimated 3,800 tabligh participants comprising Rohingya refugees and illegal immigrants who attended a religious gathering in Masjid Sri Petaling.