These perspectives demonstrate resilience and strength, and how the kindness of Malaysians helped them through tough times.

Abu Bakkar, 36, arrived in Malaysia in 2013. The first few months, he said, were difficult as he was not able to obtain necessities and get used to cultural differences.

However, with the help of the local community, he managed to overcome these challenges.

“I slowly became good neighbours with the community where I was staying. They were very helpful; they provided meals, which was nice,” he said gratefully.

“In Myanmar, we were not poor. We had business, work, and houses. All I want is to go back to my homeland and be reunited with my family,” he added.

For now, Abu Bakkar can only dream of the day he is able to return. But the present situation in Myanmar is untenable.

“If I was back in Myanmar today, I would not be alive,” he explained. “I came here to take refuge, and I want to thank the people of Malaysia – they are kindhearted people.”

Meanwhile, 19-year-old Hajrah, a refugee born in Malaysia to Rohingya parents, said her family has been in this country for 30 years.

“We left Myanmar because of the conflict,” she said in fluent Bahasa Melayu, adding that they went through many hardships, including financial difficulties and her parents’ divorce.

On the flipside, she also experienced the generosity of her Malaysian neighbours.

“One day, my neighbour, a mak cik, said she was willing to pay our rent which was overdue by five to six months,” she said. Her family had not had the means to pay the monthly amount of RM300 at that point. “I was so grateful.”

Another heartwarming moment was when neighbours offered to buy them baju raya and shoes for the festive season. “That was the happiest moment for me,” she said, “and I will never forget it.”

For Muhib, who arrived in Malaysia 10 years ago, refugees “are passing our days and lives here”, citing challenges in accessing basic care.

Nevertheless, he, too, said he is grateful to be in Malaysia, largely thanks to the generosity of his local neighbours.

He recalled the height of the pandemic when the movement control order was being implemented, and how food was distributed by locals to help fellow Rohingya in his area.

Despite his positive experiences, Muhib added that he could understand why some people may be hostile towards them.

“Staying here for one day, two days, fine. But one month, three months, one year, and then 10 years, I might not like it myself.

“If I were local, I would feel the same – why are you bothering my country, why are you becoming a burden to my country? Unfortunately, we do not have a choice.”

Finally, Shehnaz, who came to Malaysia in 2015, shares a different refugee experience as she entered the country on an international flight instead of the boat journey most Rohingya refugees endure.

“I was born and brought up in Rakhine state,” she shared. “First, I fled Myanmar and went to Bangladesh. I was there for nine months where I prepared all my documentation to come to Malaysia.”

Shehnaz advocates for refugees to continue sharing their life experiences as it is important to create awareness about refugees among the local community.

The 25-year-old added that she has had conversations with locals who thought Rohingya was a country instead of an ethnic group. Such misconceptions, she said, could be addressed through open dialogue.

“I cannot blame the locals if they don’t know about us. But my plea is for you to please open your hearts and minds to get to know us,” Shehnaz concluded.