Xenophobia in Malaysia

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Xenophobia in Malaysia refers to the fear or dislike of individuals or cultural groups perceived as foreign, often closely associated with racism. [1] In Malaysia, xenophobia sentiments are frequently directed at foreign workers, particularly those from countries such as Bangladesh and Indonesia. [2] [3] There is also notable xenophobia towards individuals from neighbouring Singapore and Indonesia. Additionally, discrimination has been reported against people of African descent and those from East Malaysia.[ citation needed ] It is observed that xenophobic attitudes are more prevalent in Peninsular Malaysia (West Malaysia) than in East Malaysia. [4]

Contents

By states

Penang

In 2014, the Penang state government conducted a referendum that resulted in a ban on foreigners cooking local cuisines. [5] The law has been criticised by foreign nationals [6] and prominent local figures, including the well-known chef Redzuawan Ismail, who expressed opposition to the ruling. [7] [ better source needed ]

Johor

In Johor, there are frequent complaints regarding Singaporeans who cross the border to take advantage of Malaysia’s lower prices, which are due to the weaker Malaysian ringgit compared to the Singaporean dollar. Local residents often blame Singaporean visitors for driving up prices in Johor, particularly in Johor Bahru. Consequently, Singaporeans visiting Johor have occasionally been targeted by criminals, especially for offences such as motor vehicle theft and snatch theft, as Singaporean vehicles are easily identifiable by their distinct licence plates. [8]

See also

References

  1. ↑ "International Migration, Racism, Discrimination and Xenophobia" (PDF). International Labour Office; International Organization for Migration; Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. August 2001. p. 2. Archived (PDF) from the original on 31 March 2019.
  2. ↑ International Labour Organization (December 18, 2019). Public attitudes towards migrant workers in Japan, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand (PDF). ISBN   9789220314289. Archived (PDF) from the original on 19 August 2024. Retrieved 11 August 2024.
  3. ↑ "Uproar over intake of Bangladeshi workers exposes rampant xenophobia in Malaysia". asiancorrespondent.com. Archived from the original on 1 December 2017. Retrieved 11 June 2017.
  4. ↑ "NYT: Malaysia has xenophobia towards Africans". Archived from the original on 29 October 2017. Retrieved 11 June 2017.
  5. ↑ migration (24 October 2014). "Penang to ban foreign cooks at hawker stalls in bid to safeguard food heritage". The Straits Times. Archived from the original on 26 July 2017. Retrieved 11 June 2017.
  6. ↑ "Penang bans foreign cooks at hawker stalls - Poskod Malaysia". 28 October 2014. Archived from the original on 6 June 2019. Retrieved 11 June 2017.
  7. ↑ "Penang bans foreign cooks at hawker stalls". ifonlysingaporeans.blogspot.my. 2014-10-27. Archived from the original on 2017-01-02. Retrieved 11 June 2017.
  8. ↑ Alkhatib, Shaffiq (4 November 2016). "'It was the longest 10 minutes of my life': Singaporean bashed and robbed on highway in Johor". www.straitstimes.com. Archived from the original on 19 June 2022. Retrieved 19 June 2022.

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