More than 20 Chin Refugees Arrested by Malaysian Immigration

28 March 2011: The Malaysian Immigration carried out daylight raids in parts of Kuala Lumpur, arresting more than 20 Chin refugees in Kuchai Lama and Jalan Pudu wards on 23 and 24 March respectively.

About 20 Chin refugees were among an estimated 30 detained during the raid on Wednesday and only 6 from those arrested on Thursday have reported to Chin Refugee Committee (CRC), according to Seihnam newsletter yesterday.

It is believed that refugees holding the UNHCR registration card would soon be released.

“We don’t know the exact number yet but some Chin women, who haven’t got registered by the UNHCR, are also arrested during the raid in Kuchai Lama. We have learned that they are now detained in Bukit Jalil detention centre,” said a CRC member.

Meanwhile, Chin refugees working at a construction site off Kuala Lumpuar were robbed at knifepoint in their house while sleeping by a gang of 13 members allegedly comprising two Burmese, one Chin and 10 Indonesians at night on 15 March 2011.

“We didn’t know how they could get into our house though the metal doors were properly locked. Two persons holding knives threatened us and they took our possessions including mobile phones and money,” said Mr. Tin Lian, one of the victims at Daman Sarah Construction, which is about one hour’s drive from Kuala Lumpur.

Van Biak Thang
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