MSF teams assisted the most vulnerable refugees – undocumented Rohingya women and children – through a fixed clinic in Penang state and six mobile clinics in Penang and Kedah. We also supported healthcare in two IDCs in Kedah and Perak. Services included basic healthcare, treatment for sexual and gender-based violence, mental health support, and financial assistance for people in need of specialist referrals to Ministry of Health hospitals.  

We also referred patients, particularly women and adolescent girls, to the UNHCR (The UN Refugee Agency), as registration with the UNHCR allows people to receive specialist care at a more affordable price. Our teams reported a high demand for antenatal care and family planning. 

In the two IDCs, we provided medical and psychosocial care, and distributed essential hygiene items, such as soap and sanitary pads. We also conducted training on medical and mental health issues for immigration officers and medical assistants.  

Advocacy played a key role in our activities in Malaysia. We regularly engaged with government authorities and civil society organisations to highlight the plight of Rohingya refugees. We continued to oppose the detention of refugees in IDCs and called for them to be issued identity documents, enabling them to work, access healthcare, and be better protected from exploitation and discrimination.