Chin Refugees Volunteered for Neighbourhood Sanitation in Malaysia

10 October 2011: A group of Chin refugees led by the Chin Disciplinary Action Committee (CDAC) made a voluntary contribution of cleaning in their neighbourhood in Jalan Imbi of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia last week.

More than 20 refugees of their own accord swept the streets, picking up rubbish along the ditches and alleys in the morning of last Monday as part of a new voluntary service programme initiated by CDAC.

Mr. Lal Siam Mawi, CDAC Chairman, said: “We plan to do the community cleaning at least twice a month. We have also bought necessary equipment such as brooms and bin bags, which will be available for use freely if Chin refugees in other parts of Kuala Lumpur would like to clean, too.”

Chin leaders in Malaysia are said to have encouraged contributing voluntary cleaning services in their residing areas on a regular basis, and improving security and social behaviours.

Meanwhile, a Chin refugee Mr. Biak Hmun was beaten up by a group of Southeast Asian thugs last Monday while he was lurching on the street in Imbi, Kuala Lumpur, according to the Faiceu newsletter.

“It is very sad to hear that almost all of the incidents were related to alcohol. We should behave better and improve our community image in Malaysia,” said Mr. Lal Siam Mawi.

The majority of around 50,000 Chin refugees live in Kuala Lumpur.

Reporting by Thawng Zel Thang