Breaking Fast With A Rohingya Family In Kuala Lumpur

For Harun Bin Islam, 32, a Rohingya refugee, Ramadhan in Malaysia is almost a divine gift, in comparison to his life back in Myanmar where threats of death loom just around any corner. Harun arrived on Malaysian shores 7 years ago, after having spent time in Bangladesh’s notorious refugee camps, where many suffer from chronic malnourishment. He then used all his savings to pay for a ride on a flimsy boat to Thailand that crossed the Indian Ocean into the hands of human traffickers. The traffickers were caught by the Malaysia border patrol and he was later bought to Malaysia. 

“I am thankful to be in Malaysia where people do not discriminate much and they accept me, even as a refugee.” Harun who earns paltry sums from teaching English at a makeshift class is married to Farmin, 25, also a Rohingyan who he met and married 6 years ago in Malaysia.  They are blessed with 2 beautiful girls, Sahara,5 and Saadah 2. Both of them have short hair. I was afraid to ask why but I figured it was probably for easier maintenance.

For their first day of breaking fast, Farmin prepared watermelon juice to complement Dhanusa, a traditional Rohingya dish made from chickpeas, cucumber, crackers and rice, mixed with coconut oil and spices. He still has family left back in Myanmar which he is unsure of them being dead or alive, having lost touch ever since he ran to Bangladesh 7 years ago. “Malays, Chinese, Indians and other races live together and they don’t kill each other. This is a beautiful country”, he quipped in his hardened and battle-scarred low voice, a grim reminder of his frightful past yet hopeful of his future.

Rohingyas and other refugees can't work in Malaysia so it's a delicate balance of Harun teaching English to other foreign workers and receiving tips for that to make a living for his family.

This is their "house" or rather a makeshift tent of sorts.

 Sahara was so afraid of me when we met. It took some time for her to warm up to me. We went for a walk while waiting for the call of Maghrib. She ran everywhere she goes. We can't communicate though because she doesn't speak Malay at all.