Chin Refugees Detained for Theft & Rape in Malaysia

10 January 2012: A mentally challenged Chin refugee, Mr. Cung Hnin, who was arrested for reportedly raping a Chinese woman in front of her husband at knife point, is still detained in Taring Lock-up in Malaysia.

The Chin refugee from Lungding village, Thantlang Township was said to have entered a house belonging to a Chinese couple under the influence of alcohol with a knife and scissors and committed rape last November, according to the Seihnam newsletter.

“He was reported to the police and arrested in the house. His village community and relatives have made attempts to get him out of jail but still in vain,” said Mr. Lal Siam Mawi, Chairman of the Chin Disciplinary Action Committee (CDAC).

Another Chin refugee, Mr. Zaw Hang Ling, was finally caught early this month at the office of the Chin Refugee Committee (CRC) for stealing money from his community while trying to renew his CRC card in Jalan Imbi of Kuala Lumpur.

He was handed over to the Matu community with the help of the Chin Disciplinary Action Committee (CDAC), according to the Faiceu journal, published weekly in Kuala Lumpur.

“Mr. Zaw Hang Ling agreed that he would make a payment of 500 Malaysian Ringgits every month for a year,” said Mr. Lal Siam Mawi, CDAC Chairman.

The Chin Disciplinary Action Committee (CDAC) was formed in 2008 in order to minimize street fighting, local community’s complaints and domestic problems caused by Chin refugees living in Malaysia. Around 400 volunteers participated in the program.

Recognising the effective works and achievements of CDAC for the community over the past few years, the UNHCR has taken steps towards assisting its activities.

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

Reporting by Thawng Zel Thang