The government's decision to finally recognise ethnic Rohingyas as refugees after more than 20 years of living illegally in Malaysia has been likened to 'independence day'.

Zafar Ahmead Mohd Abdul Ghani could hardly contain his excitement upon learning of the government's policy to grant political asylum to about 10,000 Rohingyas.

"I'm very happy to hear the news and would like to thank the government on behalf of all the ethnic Rohingyas in Malaysia," he said in an interview.

"Today is like independence day for us after a very long and hard life as stateless people in another country. This feels like Merdeka."

The government decision, although made a year ago, has yet to be implemented. The process to issue identity cards (IDs) to Rohingyas will be handled by the home ministry.

The Rohingyas first started coming illegally to Malaysia in 1982 and have remained without citizenship or valid travel documents ever since.

"Our nationality is Burmese but our own government does not recognise us," said Zafar, who works with the Myanmar Ethnic Rohingya Community Services Human Rights Branch Malaysia, in collaboration with local human rights groups.

"The Rohingyas can legally leave Burma but cannot return, whereas other Burmese can leave and return whenever they wish because the government recognises them as citizens."

He estimated that besides the 10,000 ethnic Rohingyas, there are about 20,000 other Burmese in Malaysia, some of whom do not have valid documentation either.

Stringent vetting

Mohd Sabir Ahmad Miah expressed concerned with possible abuse of the IDs to be issued to Rohingyas and urged the Malaysian authorities to be strict when vetting applicants.

"We look similar to Indians and Bangladeshis, which could pose a problem if something goes wrong or if an offence is committed using the government-issued IDs. We appeal to the government, particularly the immigration department, to check everyone properly before issuing the cards," he said.

"We do not want our image tarnished, especially after this point. It could even jeopardise our refugee status if the government decides to revoke the policy. There are many bad hats around, even within our community, which is why we appeal for proper checks by the relevant bodies."

Muslim Youth Movement (Abim) has been assisting the Rohingyas by giving them temporary passes based on documentation by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, which does its own vetting through detailed personal interviews.

Living on goodwill

Mohd Sabir said news of the policy is particularly sweet because the situation in Burma is deteriorating.

"The persecution is getting worse. Women are being raped and murdered. There are daily reports of kidnappings, torture and assaults," he said.

"Furthermore, with the problems in Pattani (southern Thailand), our situation back home would be getting worse now."

He said Rohingyas are different from other undocumented migrants in Malaysia because the others had a country to which they could return even if it meant being deported or repatriated.

Both Zafar and Mohd Sabir said most in their community have been living on the goodwill of friends and well-wishers.

"Some used to work illegally but since the strict enforcement against illegal workers, the taukes have refused to hire any Rohingyas because we do not have a single document."

National news agency Bernama quoted several Rohingyas as saying during a buka puasa function yesterday that the new policy was the best raya gift as they now have peace of mind.

Holders of the IDs will be able to seek employment as well as register their children in schools, which would address some of their immediate concerns.