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However, the true picture is more nuanced. In Malaysia alone, which hosts one of the largest refugee populations in Southeast Asia—over 160,000 registered with the UNHCR, and estimates suggesting another 40,000 unregistered—refugees are integrated into urban life more than in refugee camps. They reside in apartments, hold jobs, and participate in community activities, despite facing legal restrictions.
Refugees in Malaysia: Living in Limbo
In Malaysia, refugees live in a state of legal limbo. Most are not permitted to work legally, and access to subsidized healthcare or education for their children is limited. Yet, despite these hardships, many refuse to succumb to despair. Some find innovative ways to sustain themselves and build new lives.