The Smuggling Activity and Irregular Migration to Malaysia: A Case Study of the Muslim Rohingya from Myanmar

Aizat Khairi; Andika Abdul Wahab

doi:10.7187/GJAT072018-6

Authors

Aizat Khairi Universiti Kuala Lumpur Malaysian Institute of Marine Engineering Technology (UniKL MIMET), Dataran Industri Teknologi Kejuruteraan Marin, Bandar Teknologi Maritim, Jalan Pantai Remis, 32200 Lumut, Perak
Andika Abdul Wahab Institute of Malaysian and International Studies (IKMAS), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Bangi, Selangor.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.7187/GJAT072018-6

Keywords:

Government persecution, Ethnic discrimination, Irregular migration, Smuggling activity, Rohingya refugees

Abstract

This study describes the smuggling activity and irregular migration to Malaysia performed by the Muslim Rohingyas from Myanmar. The Rohingyas become refugees due to a long history of systematic persecution and discrimination in their place of origin, particularly the Rakhine State. Their irregular migration from Myanmar to Malaysia has been made possible by the presence of smuggling networks whose appearances are not well understood given their clandestine and complex nature of activities. The quantitative research method was used to collect secondary and primary data. Secondary data was collected from various sources including library study, newspapers and websites. Meanwhile, primary data were collected using the method of survey. The respondents have been chosen randomly of 48 Rohingya refugees in the area of Kuala Lumpur and Selangor. As result, the smuggling activity and irregular migration of the Rohingya refugees to Malaysia were influenced by the smuggler called Dalal. The Dalal has played five major roles as a recruiter, creditor, travel assistance, interpreter, and broker in their smuggling business activities. This study suggests that the Malaysian government should address the irregular migration and migrant smuggling in terms of the people-centered approach that favors not only the state’s security but also the well-being, dignity, and freedom of the people at large.

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