Rohingya Muslim refugees who fled persecution in Myanmar face new challenges in Malaysia
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — Nur Sadek was once on track to become an Islamic scholar. His mother dreamed of raising a son who would serve as a faith leader in their western Myanmar village. Sadek’s family belongs to the Rohingya ethnic minority. The predominantly Muslim group shares an area in Myanmar's Rakhine State with Buddhists and a smaller Hindu population. Ethnic and religious divisions have…
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — Nur Sadek once aspired to become a Muslim religious leader. Born into the Rohingya ethnic minority, Sadek's family hails from a village in western Myanmar. The Rohingya, primarily Muslim, coexist with Buddhists and a smaller Hindu population in Myanmar's Rakhine State. Historical tensions between ethnic and religious groups have long defined the area.
In 2017, Sadek and his loved ones fled their home after soldiers opened fire, causing bullets to strike the roof of their dwelling. With only the garments on his back, he embarked on a new life, never to return. According to the U.N. refugee agency, known as UNHCR, around 700,000 Rohingya fled a military crackdown that year, crossing into neighboring Bangladesh.
Since then, many more have sought refuge in countries across Asia, including India, Indonesia and Thailand. As of February 2026, about 126,000 Rohingya are registered with UNHCR in Malaysia. This predominantly Muslim nation serves as a home for Sadek, who now pursues a legal education and advocates for the rights of his fellow Rohingya.
The Southeast Asian country, while Muslim-majority, does not officially recognize the Rohingya as citizens.
Written by urgent.news from The Korea Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
