Reliving the Rohingya nightmare again and again


LANGKAWI: Translating accounts of the plight of fellow Rohingya migrants into Bahasa Malaysia, refugee Ali Johar relives their nightmare over and over again.

Ever since he fled to Malaysia by boat in 1997 to escape persecution in his hometown Sittwe of Rakhine State, Myanmar, the 34-year-old has been living in Kedawang, Langkawi, where he regularly serves as an unofficial translator for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

Save 30% OFF The Star Digital Access

Monthly Plan

RM 13.90/month

RM 9.73/month

Billed as RM 9.73 for the 1st month, RM 13.90 thereafter.

Best Value

Annual Plan

RM 12.33/month

RM 8.63/month

Billed as RM 103.60 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In Nation

Kelantan Police Chief targeted after reopening over 100 ‘along’ cases
Slight drop in Sarawak flood evacuees as 10 relief centres remain open
‘Bersatu did not sabotage PAS in Perlis’, Muhyiddin denies traitor accusations
Malaysia’s energy balancing act
NFA decision in Zahid’s case not arbitrary, says AG
Police bust round-the-clock drug dealer
Ruler wants firm action against immoral activities in S’gor
‘It was like an earthquake’
Safety fears grow over elephant intrusions
Floods and landslides shut schools in Sabah, S’wak

Others Also Read