The world of Tzu Chi June 2021 (Vol.135)

2021 • 06 20 eature Muslims for example. Each state in the country has a Majlis Agama and a Lembaga Zakat to see to their needs; for non-Muslims, they can seek the help of the Social Welfare Department or even friends, relatives and charity organizations. But who can refugees turn to for help? We really hope that our people can see this point.” Kamarul Zaman believes that for a true Muslim, to help others who are suffering is a religious requirement, as well as an obligation. Some Malaysian Muslims with staunch religious beliefs welcome Muslim refugees with open arms. He believes that all religions teach their followers to do good, and to live peacefully with fellow human beings. What MyCARE has been doing could be described as “the hands that give the bouquet are scented with the fragrance of roses”. Nevertheless, there is still the fear among local people that refugees are competing for our social resources, and this appears to have been overlooked. “Take a look at the Selayang wholesale market. You will be surprised to see most of the lowly jobs are done by non-locals. Statistics of refugees and asylum-seekers registered in Malaysia Source: UNHCR Malaysia website (https://www.unhcr.org/en-my/figures-at-a-glance-in-malaysia.html) Myanmar 154,350 (86.3%) Pakistan 6,620 (4%) Yemen 3,670 (2%) Syria 3,270 (2%) Somalia 3,230 (2%) Afghanistan 2,640 (1.5%) Sri Lanka 1,710 (1%) Iraq 1,210 (0.7%) Palestine and others 750 (0.5%) Myanmar 86.3% including 102,560 Rohingyas