Among the allegations was that the inmates genitals and anuses were pepper-sprayed, rendering them unable to urinate or defecate. Public schools are open to some UNHCR-registered refugees, but not to the children of illegal immigrants. Child, Early, and Forced Marriage: The minimum age of marriage is 18 for men and 16 for women. In August that coalition lost its majority in the lower house of parliament, resulting in a transfer of power to a Barisan Nasional-led coalition headed by the new prime minister, Ismail Sabri. In September Home Affairs Minister Hamzah Zainudin reported to parliament that as of August 25, there were 2,881 prison detainees younger than 21. This occurred in August for the second time since 2018, when Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin resigned after losing majority support from members of the lower house of parliament, resulting in a transfer of power to a new prime minister, Ismail Sabri. Migrant workers also faced employment discrimination (see sections 7.b. There were four non-Muslim judges serving on the Federal Court. #3. Each constituency elects one member of parliament. In parliament 33 women held 14.8 percent of the seats, an increase from 10.8 percent in the previous election cycle. Widespread school closures due to Covid-19 may also increase risks of child marriage, as research shows that leaving education is highly correlated with girls being married off. This returned the long-dominant UMNO to power . Although the law does not require groups to obtain a permit for assemblies, police frequently placed time, location, and other restrictions on the right to assemble. Other buyers requested suppliers to reduce or exclude FGV and Sime Darby products for supplies entering numerous countries. A 2018 survey by a local transgender rights group reported more than two-thirds of transgender women experienced some form of physical or emotional abuse. Department of Labor officials reported they sought to conduct labor inspections as frequently as possible. Participation of Women and Members of Minority Groups: No laws limit participation by women or members of minority groups or of historically marginalized groups in the political process, and they did participate. Male children between ages 10 and 18 may receive a maximum of 10 strokes of a light cane in a public courtroom. Exercising the right to vote is one of the social justice issues prioritized by the National Association of Social Workers. Moreover, racism and special privileges leave some . The religious department then issued a warrant for her arrest without bail and sent department officers looking for her, with police support. National-level unions are prohibited; the government allows three regional territorial federations of unions for peninsular Malaysia, and for the states of Sabah and Sarawak to operate. Malaysia deported him back to Bangladesh on August 21. The government focused on preventing sexual exploitation of children, including sex trafficking. Birth Registration: A child born in the country obtains citizenship if one parent is a citizen or permanent resident at the time of birth and the parents are married. Teens go through a vulnerable period at this stage in their lives. Government restrictions on radio and television stations mirrored those on print media, and electronic media predominantly supported the government. Most private-sector workers have the right to bargain collectively, although these negotiations may not include matters of transfer, promotion, appointments, dismissal, or reinstatement. It prohibits employers from retaliating against workers for legal union activities and requires reinstatement of workers fired for union activity. Commercial sexual exploitation of children existed, and a local NGO estimated in 2015, the last year with reported data, that 5,000 children were involved in sex work in Kuala Lumpur and surrounding areas. The law requires a permit to own a printing press, and printers often were reluctant to print publications critical of the government due to fear of reprisal. The four largest groups in Malaysia are the ethnic Malay, Chinese Malaysians, Indian Malaysians, and Malaysians from tribal backgrounds. The law provides for limited freedom of association and for certain categories of workers to form and join trade unions, subject to a variety of legal and practical restrictions. Pre-existing inequalities in education were exacerbated by students unequal access to the internet, with rural and indigenous communities particularly affected. Authorities often charged transgender persons with indecent behavior and importuning for immoral purposes in public. were hot-button topics in 2020, but mental health awareness seems to have found the most success with stickiness, with 77% voting 'mental health' as their top 5 concerns in 2021, compared to 67% in the previous year. The government did not effectively enforce laws prohibiting forced labor in some cases, and large fines as penalties were not commensurate with those for other analogous serious crimes, such as kidnapping. The NGO Womens Aid Organization reported that from January through September, it received 1,662 complaints involving domestic violence, and the number of survivors seeking shelter increased one and a half times during the same period. In September the Perlis State Fatwa Committee declared that men who appear like women such as cross-dressers or transgender individuals were forbidden from entering mosques while not in gender-conforming appearances. Penang State mufti Wan Salim Wan Mohd Noor suggested that transgender individuals should change their appearance if they wanted to be in mosques or suraus (Islamic assembly buildings) so that they do not look odd and avoid uncomfortable feelings among other worshippers. Representatives from the NGO Sisters in Islam observed that the fatwa and statement of the mufti not only contradicts the federal constitution but was not in accordance with inclusive Islamic traditions.. In September the High Court ruled that mothers who are citizens have the right to confer citizenship to their children born overseas on an equal basis with men who are citizens, but the government appealed the decision. Pretrial Detention: The International Center for Prison Studies reported that pretrial detainees comprised approximately 27 percent of the prison population in 2018. Preventing violence. The worst floods in decades in some states have tempered the recovery in . Women experienced some economic discrimination in access to employment. From March 3 to July 29, Selangor State Islamic religious authorities detained journalist Wan Norhayati Wan Alias, known as Ibu Yati, without charge, based on controversial comments she posted on social media about the Arabization of Malay culture. Separate education facilities also existed but were insufficient to meet the needs of all students with disabilities. For examples of social problems in Malaysia include crime, violence, gangsterism, drug abuse, baby dumping, vandalism, and young relationship among youth. The broadly worded fatwa declares that Sisters in Islam and any individuals, organizations and institutions holding on to liberalism and religious pluralism are deviant from Islamic teachings. Each of these groups has its own set of traditions, religions, and challenges. On June 3, Umar Faruq Abdullah, a truck driver, died at the Southern Klang District police headquarters in Selangor State, a day after police arrested him for stealing a gas cylinder. Smoking . Citizenship law and birth registration rules and procedures created a large class of stateless children in the migrant and refugee population. Share this via WhatsApp In August, the government withdrew a bill submitted by the prior administration to create an Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission because the police objected to it. The government instead introduced a bill to create a toothless Independent Police Conduct Commission that lacks both key investigative powers and the authority to punish wrongdoing. The government reported that 23 people, including two children, died while in immigration detention during the first six months of 2020. The law prohibits and criminalizes all forms of forced or compulsory labor. The constitution provides for the freedoms of peaceful assembly and association but allows restrictions deemed necessary or expedient in the interest of security, public order, or (in the case of association) morality. Issues like sustainability of local businesses and racism (remember the George Floyd protests?) Physical Conditions: Overcrowding in prisons and immigration detention centers, particularly in facilities near major cities, remained a serious problem. Among the refugees and asylum seekers, 68 percent were men and 32 percent were women. SUHAKAM commissioner Hishamudin Yunus declared the best approach towards LGBTQI+ individuals was to help integrate them into mainstream society by respecting their constitutional rights to equality, privacy, and a life of dignity. On April 17, A. Ganapathy died of severe injuries at Selayang Hospital in Gombak District, Selangor State, following 12 days in custody at Gombak District police headquarters, according to media reports. Malaysia went from a success story in 2020 to calamity in 2021. In October UNHCR estimated there were 9,040 stateless persons residing in peninsular Malaysia, the majority of whom were of Indian Tamil ethnicity. The government occasionally censored foreign magazines, newspapers, and news programming, most often due to sexual content. The law prohibits arbitrary arrest and detention and provides for the right of any person to challenge the lawfulness of his or her arrest or detention in court, and the government generally observed these requirements. The law requires equal pay for male and female workers for work of equal value. While recent data was very limited, a 2012 study by a professor at the Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Malaya, found that more than 93 percent of approximately 1,000 Muslim women surveyed in three of the countrys 13 states had undergone the procedure. Under national security laws, police may enter and search the homes of persons suspected of threatening national security without a warrant. Of the total, 30 percent were physical and sexual abuse. UNHCR reported the government brought charges in a few cases against employers for hiring refugees. Working hours may not exceed eight hours per day or 48 hours per week, unless workers receive overtime pay. Also on July 28, authorities detained youth activist Sarah Irdina and questioned her for 10 hours over social media posts promoting the black flag campaign to protest the Muhyiddin governments response to COVID-19. Investigation by the Criminal Investigation Division within the Royal Malaysian Police into the use of deadly force by a police officer occurs only if the attorney general initiates the investigation or approves an application for an investigation by family members of the deceased. The law states that sodomy and oral sex acts are carnal intercourse against the order of nature. In February the Federal Court nullified a Selangor State law on same-sex sexual conduct. Recently, the statistics have shown an increase in abortion. However, drug abuse among the youth in Malaysia is becoming a grave concern. Non-Muslims are not subject to sharia. Employers may immediately deport pregnant or ill workers. LGBTQI+ persons reported discrimination in employment, housing, and access to some government services because of their sexuality. Supporters congregated at the police station, and civil rights organizations demanded his release; they were then also called in for questioning. Also in October, in a widely viewed TikTok video, Muslim preacher Syakir Nasoha accused members of religious and ethnic minorities of killing Muslims, sparking fears this could incite violence against Buddhists (largely citizens of Chinese descent), Hindus (largely citizens of Indian descent), and Dayaks (an indigenous community of Sarawak and Sabah states). Some of the root causes and co-occurring issues that are addressed in teen-specific drug rehab include: Abortion means termination of pregnancy, it can either be spontaneous or induced. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues in Malaysia, mental health issues are taking a growing toll across the country. Malaysia remained firmly in the grip of both the COVID-19 pandemic and economic turmoil in 2021. The government curbed freedom of expression, particularly freedom of the press. Arbitrary Deprivation of Life and Other Unlawful or Politically Motivated Killings, c. Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman, or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, Arrest Procedures and Treatment of Detainees, f. Arbitrary or Unlawful Interference with Privacy, Family, Home, or Correspondence, a. However, drug abuse among the youth in Malaysia is becoming a grave concern. Moreover, those graduates with essential skills are more preferable compared to them who does not have any skills. The government often resisted registering organizations deemed particularly unfriendly to the government or imposed strict preconditions. During the week preceding a July 31 Lawan (Fight) protest in Kuala Lumpur to demand the resumption of parliamentary sessions, a moratorium on the repayment of all loans, and the resignation of Prime Minister Muhyiddin for his handling of the pandemic, authorities reportedly summoned at least 20 activists, including youth activist Sarah Irdina, who was detained for 10 hours and charged with sedition for her tweet about the upcoming event (see section 1.d., Arbitrary Arrest). In separate statements Batu Kawan member Kasthuri Patto and Petaling Jaya member Maria Chin Abdullah criticized Acryl Sani for his remarks about a police report made by a student, age 17, that a classmate had threatened to rape her after she called out her teacher for making jokes about rape. To date, no Malaysians have been held responsible for their role in the deaths of over 100 ethnic Rohingya trafficking victims whose bodies were found in the camps. The constitution provides for the special position of the Malays and natives of any of the States of Sabah and Sarawak but does not refer specifically to the Orang Asli. The constitution provides for freedom of internal movement, emigration, and repatriation, but these rights were often restricted by federal and state government officials, particularly in eastern Sabah and Sarawak states. The cause of unemployed graduates nowadays is the incompatibility in the focus of higher education institutions and the needs of labor market. Share this via Facebook The political environment was hostile towards women. Ongoing political instability led to an emergency proclamation that suspended Parliament for the first time since 1969, followed by an unprecedented public rebuke of political leaders by the Malaysian king, and the third new government in as many years. The plan outlined policies to increase access to education and attendance in schools, increase access to health education, address stigma and social norms on child marriage, and specify laws and guidelines on child marriages that are in line with government . According to a KFF analysis of government data, around 1 in 10 adults have medical debt. Malaysia's population in 2022. Causes of teenage suicide can be difficult to pinpoint and may involve several factors. True statements may be considered defamatory if they contravene the public good. The government and its supporters used these laws, along with provisions against sedition, to punish and suppress publication of material critical of government officials and policies. In some cases authorities treated early marriage as a solution to statutory rape. Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin highlighted one of the concerns during the closing session of the 74th World Health Assembly held virtually tonight was on how the pandemic had impacted mental health and social well-being. Government procurement and licensing policies favored bumiputra-owned businesses. This ambiguity over the communitys status in the constitution led to selective interpretation by different public institutions. Japan's births set to fall below 800,000 in 2022, hitting a new all-time low. The executive director of local human rights NGO Suaram, Sevan Doraisamy, reported that according to Suarams media monitoring, widely reported custodial deaths during the year pointed to a combination of a sense of impunity and poor health systems in detention centers.. Depression. The government confirmed in September 2020 that Malaysia will not entertain requests from China to extradite Uyghur refugees and will allow them safe passage to third countries. Indigenous persons in peninsular Malaysia, known as Orang Asli, who number approximately 200,000, constituted the poorest group in the country and had very little ability to participate in decisions that affected them. Those suffering from problems can reach out to: Mental Health Psychosocial Support Service (03-2935 9935 or 014-322 3392); Talian Kasih (15999 or WhatsApp 019-261 5999); Jakim's Family, Social . The last two years saw a series of continuous and rapid political developments, starting with the change in federal government in early 2020, alongside shifts in many state governments, and ending most recently with yet another government change in August 2021. Ordinary Malaysians suffer from the machinations of their politicians. The SUHAKAM childrens commissioner, Noor Aziah Mohd Awal, declared that the arrests contravened the law, which states that a child being arrested should not be handcuffed, the parents or guardians must be informed of the childs whereabouts, the childs identity must be protected, and the child has the right to consult with counsel of his or her choice. The immigration director general issued a statement confirming that the ships departed with 1,086 of the 1,200 Burmese nationals aboard. Occupational Safety and Health: Occupational health and safety laws cover all sectors of the economy except the maritime sector and the armed forces. Hamid alleged government interference in previous judicial decisions and complicity by judges in sham cases designed to reward government supporters with large settlements. No law specifically prohibits torture; however, laws that prohibit committing grievous hurt encompass torture. Global AIDS Coordinator and Global Health Diplomacy, Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs, Special Representative for Syria Engagement, U.S. Security Coordinator for Israel and the Palestinian Authority, Office of the U.S. If found guilty, the cost of deportation generally fell to the detainee, which led to prolonged detention for those unable to pay. Further custodial deaths were recorded but no one was held to account. The government also had the right to compel arbitration in the case of failed collective bargaining negotiations. Examples can include: Illiteracy. In July the Federal Court upheld a 2018 criminal defamation conviction against online news portal Malaysiakini for articles and videos published in 2012 about pollution allegedly linked to Raud Australian Gold Mining and ordered Malaysiakini to pay 550,000 ringgit ($132,000) in damages and costs. The government held thousands of individuals in immigration detention centers and other facilities. 2021 has been a crazy year. Penang police chief Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain observed that factors driving the rise in domestic violence were pressure and stress due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In September, however, the Court of Appeal overturned the High Court decision, citing improper procedures by the company in taking possession of land with a customary right claim. The government continued to arrest undocumented migrant workers, including children, and held thousands in confined and congested cells at immigration detention centers and other facilities. Protests deemed acceptable by the government usually proceeded without interference. In July, after Al Jazeera aired a documentary about Malaysias treatment of migrant workers during the Covid-19 pandemic, the police announced that they were investigating Al Jazeera for sedition, defamation, and violation of the Communications and Multimedia Act (CMA). Beyond Blue on 1300 22 46 36. Access to Basic Services: The government provided access to health care at a discounted foreigners rate of 50 percent to UNHCR-registered refugees, but not to persons without UNHCR registration cards. For instance, Islamic inheritance law generally favors male offspring and male relatives. Check our list and get an inspiration boost. At least 17 migrants from Myanmar committed suicide between March and September. Voting rights. People also migrate because of factors like wars, poverty, discrimination, and for political or even religious reasons. Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C): The law does not prohibit FGM/C, and it was a common practice among Muslim and some indigenous communities. The Attorney Generals Chambers requested a fine of 200,000 ringgit ($47,500), but Yusuf fined Malaysiakini more than double that amount. Thank you for this excellent article. The Malaysian Bar Council claimed these restrictions were excessive. They exercised many of the responsibilities of national-level labor unions, although they could not bargain on behalf of local unions. Authorities deported some of these parents, leaving their children without guardians. Before and during that campaign, opposition politicians and civil society organizations alleged electoral irregularities and systemic disadvantages for opposition groups due to a lack of media access for the opposition and malapportioned districts favoring the then ruling coalition. terrific article. The erosion of support for Muhyiddin's government is tied to four issues. There were restrictions on Israeli citizens entering the country. Estimates of the street-child population ranged from a few thousand to 15,000, many of whom were born in the country to illegal immigrant parents. The constitution gives ethnic Malays and indigenous groups, collectively known as bumiputra, a special position in the country. In October, according to media reports, a senior politician from the Bersatu party, Borhanuddin Che Rahim, used an ethnic slur to describe an ethnic Indian member of the national badminton team. According to an investigation published by local media in 2018, there are no standard procedures for the practice and in some cases box cutters and stationery store blades are used. Government officials defended the practice during a UN review in 2018, when a Ministry of Health official stated that the practice was performed only by medical professionals and compared it to immunization programs for female babies. Government-run family planning clinics often would not provide contraceptive services to unmarried young persons. Freedom of expression came under attack immediately after the change in government, when authorities opened a sedition investigation into activist Fadiah Nadwa Fikri for organizing a protest against the method by which the new government came to power. When mothers did not have valid proof of citizenship, authorities entered the childs citizenship as unknown on the birth certificate. On November 1, Kelantans Sharia Criminal Code (I) Enactment 2019 came into force, criminalizing 24 new offenses applying to Muslims. UNHCR declared that the deportees included at least six individuals registered with the agency. The law provides for the rights to strike and to bargain collectively, but both were severely restricted. Previously the federal government permitted stateless children to enroll in public school if parents were able to prove the childs father was a citizen, but in November 2020 the minister of education informed parliament that stateless children did not have access to public schools but could attend private schools. Parents applying for late registration must provide proof the child was born in the country. Defendants have the right to communicate with an attorney of their choice or to have counsel appointed at public expense if they face charges that carry the death penalty. A lawyer representing Ganapathys family said an autopsy revealed his death was due to severe injuries to his legs and shoulders. It requires employers to identify risks and take precautions, including providing safety training to workers, and compels companies with more than 40 workers to establish joint management-employee safety committees. Parts of the country were hit with devastating floods that lasted for days at the end of 2021 following non-stop heavy rains in the Klang Valley and the state of Selangor, Pahang, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan and Terengganu. In 2013 the state government had awarded Sri Jengka, a semi-state government corporation, a 99-year lease on the 1,618-acre tract. If they refuse to comply, employers face additional fines for each day that wages are not paid. The government bans membership in unregistered political parties and organizations. The cofounder of youth group Misi Solidariti, Sharon Wah, questioned along with four other activists, declared: Laws that arbitrarily criminalize speech and legitimate criticism remain on the book. Toh was released on bail but could face a substantial fine, two years imprisonment, or both. Access to those in detention centers was often significantly limited. According to the Director of Enforcement of the Immigration Department met by the mission, there are reportedly 1,9 million foreign workers in Malaysia and 5 to 600 000 people would be there illegally. In August police investigated seven activists from youth coalition Sekratariat Solidariti Rakyat for sedition in relation to a planned street protest. In August 2020, the Federal Court upheld the constitutionality of the mandatory death . The kingship rotates among the sultans of the nine states with hereditary Malay rulers. Migrant workers without access to their passports were more vulnerable to harsh working conditions, lower wages than promised, unexpected wage deductions, and poor housing. Rape and Domestic Violence: Rape of women or men is a criminal offense, as are most forms of domestic violence. Child labor was also evident among migrant domestic workers. Libel/Slander Laws: The law includes sections on civil and criminal defamation. In July police raided the offices of Freedom Film Network in response to an animated short film the network and the NGO Suaram released in June about the lack of police accountability. Addressing economic inequality and promoting financial asset building. Nur Sajat crossed into Thailand, and UNHCR granted her refugee status. The government monitored the internet and threatened to detain anyone sending or posting content the government deemed a threat to public order or security (see section 2.a.). The government generally restricted publications it judged might incite racial or religious disharmony. Access to Asylum: The law does not provide for granting asylum or refugee status, and the government has not established a system for providing protection to refugees. Back to Malaysia MALAYSIA 2021. The government placed some restrictions on academic freedom, particularly the expression of unapproved political views, and enforced restrictions on teachers and students who expressed dissenting views. In February media reported an accusation by the attorney for retail worker Leong Ann Ping that Leong was sexually harassed by male suspects while detained in the local jail at Mukah, Sarawak State, that she suffered from insomnia and headaches while incarcerated, and that police were not responsive to her request for morning headache medicine.