NGO Reached Chin Refugees in Penang

16th June,2010

Kuala Lumpur

PENANG- The June 12^th-13^th trip to reaching out the Chin refugees dwelling in Penang, which is a five hours drive from Kuala Lumpur, mainly organized and led by NGO called ACTS implementing partner with UNHCR in working for refugees in Malaysia for the medical needs without any benefits.

CRC team in collaboration with ACTS was a part of the main help in reaching out refugees in Penang, especially in terms of interpreting for doctors and making more awareness for the community.

The first day of medical treatment was held on June 12^th in George Town, called the former capital city of Malaysia in era of British colony, few people only came to see doctors for medical treatment. Food was donated for all by some volunteers from the host Catholic Church, allowing ACTS to run the hall.

The second day was warmly welcomed by Lai Christian Fellowship in Bukit Martajam in Penang opposite side of Georgetown; more than hundred of refugees could come to see doctors. “Unexpectedly, Rohinyas doubly outnumbered the Chins, said one of registration undertaker.

The team was told that many of refugees in this town are not allowed to have a leave on Saturday by the British psychological counselor who was voluntarily attending in doing counseling sessions for the patients.

It was a heartfelt delight to see Chin refugees in Penang are incredibly united, do everything together harmoniously and go hand to hand and well-organized. They could stand by themselves not asking any helps even from any communities and UNHCR for their stand.

Patients sitting at Lai Christian

Fellowship Church in Penang (photo-VOCR)

“They are a true example group for dozens of Malaysia-based communities. The reason is they go beyond the racialism and cronyism that kills the growth of a people. Instead, they hold fast righteousness and unity among them and focus on unselfish endeavor in support of each other medically and socially” quoted one of the UNHCR interpreters followed the CRC team as saying to VOCR.

Leaders and coordinator of CRC in the night worship gathering at Lai Christian Fellowship on June 12 toned up that their group is a sound exemplary for the whole Chin community, encouraging them to go eagerly forward as they are in the right direction at all. 

by Simon