CORONAVIRUS | The Myanmar Ethnic Rohingya Human Rights Organisation Malaysia (Merhrom) says it has received hundreds of requests from struggling Rohingya in Malaysia for emergency assistance during the Covid-19 outbreak.

While it is willing to play a coordinating role in assisting the community, it is struggling for funds and other resources and as such, is appealing to community members, international organisations and ordinary Malaysians for aid during the movement control order (MCO) period which has just been extended to April 14.

"The situation of Rohingya refugees is extremely vulnerable as most of us depend on daily wages to survive. Many Rohingya refugees are struggling to survive now as we do not have any savings.

"Most Rohingya are staying at home without any means to get money to feed their family," said Merhrom president Zafar Ahmad Abdul Ghani in a statement today.

"While they are struggling to pay the house rental, they need to bring food for their families and milk for their children. Most Rohingya have run out of food.

"We cannot imagine how we are going to survive if the MCO continues."

Merhrom was established in 1998 by Zafar and its main works are focusing on
advocacy, rights protection, public awareness, community development, health, education, family-related issues and issues related to the Islamic faith.

Zafar emphasised that the body is not funded.

"Therefore, we cannot provide any financial assistance for the affected Rohingya refugees. We appeal to the UNHCR, private sectors, OIC, European Union, UK and the US government to help the affected Rohingya refugees.

"As an emergency response to the current critical situation, Merhrom has made an appeal to the fellow Rohingya to assist the most affected Rohingya until we manage to get some help."

"We encourage everyone to open their heart to help the affected refugees," he said.

Merhrom state liaison contacts are:

Mohd Karim Elias - Kedah (018408 5564 / 0175033732)

Chukkur Mohd Hussin - Penang (0183892932)

Mohd Hassan Miya Huson - Perak (0107148706)

Mohd Hashim Zakir Ahmad - KL (0149592630)

Sanamullah Halu - Selangor (0102949136)

Noor Mohamad Mohd Khir - Negeri Sembilan (0105012324)

Hussin Nabir Hussein - Malacca (01127004309)

Salema Bibi Ashaful Miah - Johor (017732 4677)

Mohammad Jakir Mohd Salim - Pahang (01112563595)

Mamun Rashid Assgor Ali - Kelantan (0179481475)

Abdul Rahman Mohd Salim - Terengganu (0189105139)

Mohamad Helu - Perlis (019-5138142 / 0142651021)

Keep up with the latest information on the outbreak in the country with Malaysiakini's free Covid-19 tracker. Malaysiakini is providing free access to the most important updates on the coronavirus pandemic. You can find them here.   

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