lifestyle

9 Organisations & Businesses Aiding Refugees In Malaysia That You Can Support

Whether it's through ordering food, volunteering, or donating directly, there are many ways to lend a hand.

Cover image via @pichaeats (Instagram) & @shopxdignity (Instagram)

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Refugees have fled war, violence, or persecution in their home countries, yet they still face various struggles to meet their basic needs for food, shelter, and healthcare in Malaysia

They are not always able to work legally and lack access to social services in Malaysia.

Your support can help them meet these basic needs and live with dignity.

Here are some organisations you can support to help the refugee community in Malaysia:

PichaEats, formerly known as The Picha Project, is a social enterprise in Malaysia offering authentic dishes prepared by refugee families, specialising in delicacies from their homelands. 

These dishes include Iraqi falafel, Palestinian hummus, Afghani dumplings, and Syrian sweets — all made with love and a focus on authenticity.

PichaEats provides a platform for refugee families to become skilled home chefs and earn a living. They offer training and support, helping refugees rebuild their lives, regain dignity, and support their families.

You can support PichaEats by ordering pre-made meal boxes or having them cater your event. They have catered for corporate events, weddings, and other special occasions.

Website | Instagram | Facebook

Doctors on Ground (DnG) is a Malaysian medical non-profit organisation that provides basic healthcare to underserved communities, particularly refugees, asylum seekers, and stateless individuals who struggle with access to traditional healthcare services.

DnG organises medical mission trips to reach people in remote areas or those facing transportation challenges, offering basic medical consultations, medications, and referrals for further treatment when necessary.

They involve the community in decision-making and provide educational resources to promote self-reliance in healthcare matters.

DnG relies on a network of volunteer medical professionals who donate their time and expertise. They operate through donations and grants.

Website | Instagram | Facebook | Donate 

3. Innkuan Project

Innkuan Project is an online business that sells handmade knitted and crocheted items by refugee women, including bags, sweaters, coasters, accessories, and more.

Run by four sisters — Lun, Lek, Hoih, and Nuam — the project allows them to pursue their passion for art while achieving financial independence.

Instagram | Facebook 

4. Mangosteen

Image via Mangosteen

Mangosteen is a social enterprise offering a range of personal care products made with natural ingredients. 100% of their profits support organisations working with marginalised groups, including refugees.

Some of the organisations they support include the Women's Aid Organisation, Dignity for Children Foundation, Women of Will, Fugee School, and Yayasan Chow Kit.

Website | Instagram | Facebook

5. Fugee School

Fugee School, a non-profit based in Kuala Lumpur, champions equality and access on the simple premise that every child should be allowed to go to school.

They achieve this through advocacy, education, and entrepreneurship programmes, offering a safe space for learning, growth, and social-emotional development.

Their holistic curriculum spans from kindergarten to grade nine, catering to the specific needs of refugee students who may have faced disruptions in their education.

Fugee also offers programmes like the HiEd Scholarship and youth programmes to help students access higher education and prepare for future careers.

Website | Instagram | Facebook | Donate

Dignity for Children Foundation is a non-profit in Malaysia dedicated to providing holistic care and education to underprivileged and marginalised children, including refugees. 

They also operate social enterprises that offer training and work experience to underprivileged youth, while providing goods and services to the community. 

Their services range from hair cutting, baking, and woodworking to cooking and selling handcrafted goods.

You can support their initiatives by purchasing handcrafted goods, visiting their restaurant, or ordering food online.

Visit their online shop here or find out how else you can get involved here.

7. The United Nations High Commissioner For Refugees (UNHCR)

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is the leading international organisation working to protect refugees and find durable solutions for them around the world.

They undertake a wide range of activities to fulfil their mandate, including:

  • Registration and status determination: UNHCR registers refugees and asylum seekers, and works with governments to determine their refugee status.
  • Protection: They advocate for the rights of refugees and ensure their safety from violence, persecution, and refoulement (the forcible return of a refugee to a country where they would face harm).
  • Material assistance: UNHCR provides refugees with basic necessities like food, shelter, water, and sanitation.
  • Livelihoods: They help refugees become self-sufficient by supporting income generation activities and skills training.
  • Education: UNHCR works to ensure access to education for refugee children and youth.
  • Resettlement: In situations where refugees cannot return home safely, UNHCR facilitates resettlement to third countries.
  • Durable solutions: Their ultimate goal is to find lasting solutions for refugees, either through voluntary repatriation (returning home when conditions permit), local integration in the host country, or resettlement in a third country.
Website | Instagram | Facebook | Donate | Volunteer

8. Asylum Access Malaysia

Asylum Access Malaysia is a Malaysian-registered non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting refugees and asylum seekers. They empower individuals by providing the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate the complex refugee status determination (RSD) process, offering legal aid and representation.

Additionally, they conduct workshops and training sessions to educate refugees and asylum seekers about their rights and options, enabling them to make informed decisions about their future. 

Asylum Access also advocates for Malaysia to fulfil its international obligations and uphold the rights of refugees and asylum seekers.

Website | Instagram | Facebook | Donate | Volunteer

9. Refuge For The Refugees

Refuge for the Refugees (RFR) is a Malaysian non-profit empowering refugees through education and livelihood support.

They operate schools for refugee children, offer scholarships for higher education, and provide skills training and business programmes aimed at fostering self-sufficiency among refugees. 

Their primary focus is equipping refugees with the tools and resources necessary to build a brighter future in Malaysia.

Instagram | Facebook | Contact

UNICEF recently disclosed that 41,000 refugee children are denied access to education in Malaysia:

Refugees and stateless persons face many struggles in Malaysia:

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