Cultural orientation

Malaysia is a parliamentary democracy and constitutional monarchy.

• The King (Agong) is the Head of State
• The Prime Minister leads the government
• Laws are made by Parliament

Everyone in Malaysia, including refugees and asylum-seekers, must follow Malaysian laws.

• Respect the King, rulers, and authorities
• Do not insult religions, cultures, or ethnic groups
• Be careful about what you say in public or online
• Offensive behaviour can lead to legal consequences

Malaysia celebrates many cultural and religious traditions. Major festivals include:

• Eid-ul-Fitri and Eid Adha (Muslim)
• Chinese New Year (Chinese community)
• Deepavali and Thaipusam (Hindu community)
• Wesak Day (Buddhist)

To stay clean and healthy, follow these everyday habits:

• Wash your hands regularly with soap (especially before eating and after using the toilet)
• Bathe daily and keep all parts of your body clean
• Wear clean clothes and wash them regularly
• Brush your teeth daily (ideally twice a day)
• Use clean toilets properly and always flush after use
• Handle food safely (wash hands, store food properly, avoid spoiled food)

• Do not share personal items like combs or toothbrushes
• Keep nails trimmed and clean
• Dispose of waste, diapers, and sanitary products properly (do not flush them)

Good menstrual hygiene is important to:

• Prevent infections and discomfort
• Stay clean and comfortable during periods
• Change menstrual products regularly and dispose of them safely

• Teach children to wash hands, bathe, and brush their teeth regularly
• Keep their clothes, toys, and bedding clean
• Change diapers regularly and dispose of them safely

Qurban is the sacrifice of animals such as cows, goats, sheep, buffalo, or camels.

The meat is usually shared:

• 1/3 for yourself
• 1/3 for relatives and friends
• 1/3 for people in need

• You can join a mosque or surau to organize qurban, or follow local procedures if doing it yourself
• Do not keep animals at home or in public places
• Always follow local rules—failure to do so may lead to fines or confiscation

• Perform slaughter only in approved and suitable places (e.g. mosques or designated areas)
• Be respectful of other religions and communities (e.g. avoid slaughtering cows near Hindu households)

• Ensure animals are healthy before slaughter
• Dispose of waste properly and keep the area clean
• Store and transport meat safely to avoid contamination

Malaysia does not have specific refugee laws and is not a party to the 1951 Refugee Convention

Refugees are treated as undocumented migrants under immigration law

Refugees may be arrested, detained, fined, or deported if they do not have valid documents

UNHCR in Malaysia can:

• Register asylum-seekers and determine refugee status
• Issue UNHCR documents for identification
• Support access to services such as healthcare and education

UNHCR cannot:

• Grant legal status or work permits
• Stop arrests or override Malaysian law

Refugees do not have the legal right to work formally in Malaysia.

Many rely on informal work, which is not legally protected.

Workers should still be treated fairly, including:

• Safe working conditions
• Fair pay and rest time
• No abuse or discrimination

Malaysia has two systems:

• Civil law (for non-Muslims)
• Syariah law (for Muslims)

Refugees may face difficulties registering marriages or divorces without valid documents

Domestic violence is illegal and includes physical, emotional, sexual, or financial abuse

Everyone in Malaysia, including refugees, is protected by law

Support is available through NGOs and partners

Breaking the law can result in:

• Fines
• Imprisonment
• Whipping
• In serious cases, the death penalty

You have the right to:

• Know why you are arrested
• Contact a lawyer and a family member
• Remain silent until you receive legal advice

See also how to report arrest and detention.

Malaysia is generally a safe country, but risks can still exist.

• Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night or in crowded places
• Stay cautious both offline and online
• Take responsibility for your own safety and that of your family

A simple approach to safety:

• Understand risks
• Prevent danger
• Know how to respond and where to get help

Children (under 18) have the right to protection, safety, and care.

To keep children safe:

• Do not leave children alone at home or outside
• Keep dangerous items (fire, chemicals, sharp objects) out of reach
• Teach children:
  • Not to talk to or go with strangers
  • Not to accept food or share personal information
  • What to do in emergencies (e.g. call 999)

Children must be protected from risks such as:

• Abuse, neglect, or violence
• Child labour or exploitation
• Trafficking, early marriage, or lack of education

Using phones and social media can bring risks.

Be aware of:

• Scams and fake messages
• Cyberbullying and online harassment
• Oversharing personal information

Safety tips:

• Do not share passwords, OTPs, or personal details
• Avoid clicking unknown links or downloading suspicious files
• Keep accounts private and use strong passwords
• Block and report suspicious users

• Refugees and non-citizens do not have the right to participate in public assemblies
• Taking part in such gatherings may lead to arrest, fines, or imprisonment
• Avoid large gatherings that may become unsafe or illegal

Whether walking, driving, or cycling:

• Follow traffic rules and signs
• Always wear seatbelts or helmets
• Do not use your phone while driving or crossing the road
• Cross roads safely and supervise children

Important reminders:

• You must have a valid driving licence to drive
• Driving under the influence or dangerously can lead to serious penalties

In case of emergency

• Call 999 for police, ambulance, or fire services
• Report incidents to authorities
• Seek support from NGOs or available services if needed

Financial literacy means understanding:

• How money works
• How to earn, spend, and save money
• How to manage your finances

Good financial habits help you:

• Control your spending
• Avoid debt and financial stress
• Prepare for emergencies

To manage your money effectively:

• Track your income and expenses (money coming in and going out)
• Prioritise needs over wants (e.g. food and rent vs entertainment)
• Keep records such as receipts and payments

A simple rule to budget your income:

• 50% for needs (food, rent, transport)
• 30% for wants (non-essential items)
• 20% for savings (emergency fund or future needs)

• Be careful of debt, especially from informal lenders or loan sharks
• Avoid scams, including people asking for money for UNHCR services (these are always free)
• Be cautious when sending money through unofficial brokers, as you may lose your money

You can use tools like e-wallets to store money and make payments.

Keep your account secure:

• Do not share your account or personal information
• Do not use your account for other people
• Avoid suspicious or illegal activities

Having an email address helps you:

• Receive communications (e.g. UNHCR appointments)
• Access services like e-wallets or applications
• Apply for jobs or online courses

• Use a strong password (long, with letters, numbers, and symbols)
• Do not share your password with anyone
• Change your password regularly
• Keep the same email address if possible to stay reachable

Public transport is shared and available to everyone.

• Includes buses, trains, taxis, and e‑hailing services
• Operates on fixed routes and schedules
• Requires payment (fares are generally affordable)

Using public transport can help save money, reduce traffic, and protect the environment.

Trains (urban and intercity)

• LRT & MRT: Fast urban trains connecting major areas (6:00 AM – midnight)
• Monorail: Serves Kuala Lumpur city centre
• KTM trains:
  • Komuter (daily travel)
  • ETS (high-speed, intercity)
  • Intercity (long-distance travel)

Buses

• City and feeder buses: Connect neighbourhoods and train stations
• Express buses: Travel between cities and states
• Some services (like GoKL) offer low-cost or free routes

Taxi and e‑hailing

• Taxis are available at stations, airports, and public areas
• E‑hailing apps (e.g. Grab, Bolt) allow you to book rides by phone
• Always use metered taxis to avoid overcharging

You can pay for transport using:

• Touch ‘n Go card (widely used and convenient)
• Cash (exact amount may be required for buses or ticket machines)

Check routes and schedules in advance.

Be careful of scams or overcharging, especially with taxis.

When using e‑hailing:

• Confirm your pick-up and drop-off locations
• Share your trip details with someone for safety

Do:

• Give your seat to elderly people, pregnant women, and persons with disabilities
• Queue and wait your turn
• Let passengers exit before entering
• Keep your belongings safe

Do not:

• Eat or drink
• Smoke
• Make loud noise
• Use priority seats if you do not need them

Child marriage is not supported under international standards.

It is widely considered a form of gender-based violence.

In many countries, including resettlement countries, it is illegal

Marriage involving a child can lead to legal consequences.

Adults who marry children or arrange child marriages may be punished.

Sex with a child is a serious crime, even if the child appears to agree.

Trafficking a child for marriage is also a serious offence and can lead to imprisonment

Child marriage can have serious consequences:

For the child

• Cannot continue education
• Increased risk of health problems and dangerous pregnancy
• Higher risk of abuse and domestic violence
• Risk of mental health issues and isolation

For the family

• Increased financial stress
• Strain on relationships and wellbeing

For the baby

• Higher risk of being born unhealthy
• Long-term health and development challenges

A child cannot legally or meaningfully give consent to marriage or sexual activity.

Early marriage does not reduce poverty or protect girls.

Child marriage can affect the entire community, not just one family.

People who cause or arrange child marriage may not be eligible for resettlement.

If someone is forced into child marriage, they should inform UNHCR.

Children in such situations are considered at risk and need protection.

• Do not arrange or support child marriage
• Encourage children, especially girls, to stay in school
• Share information and support families to make safe decisions
• Seek help from NGOs or support services if a child is at risk