On 20 May 2025, eighteen students from the Master of Public Health (MPH) programme at
Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) visited the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Malaysia Office in Kuala Lumpur. As part of the teaching and learning activities in the Population Health and Dynamics module, this visit aimed to deepen students’ understanding of the refugee situation in Malaysia, as well as the role of UNHCR in public health and humanitarian support.
The UNHCR, also known as the UN Refugee Agency, works globally to protect and assist refugees, asylum-seekers, stateless persons, and internally displaced persons. It plays a critical role in providing support to over 180,000 refugees and asylum seekers residing in Malaysia. Key activities carried out include registration and documentation of refugees and asylum seekers, determination of refugee status, provision of protection and legal aid, healthcare support through refugee clinics, education and livelihood programs, advocacy and awareness campaigns, as well as resettlement and voluntary repatriation efforts.
The visit was divided into two main segments: guided facility tour and comprehensive briefing session. These activities aimed to provide us with a quick overview of UNHCR's setup and public health strategies in addressing refugee issues. During the facility tour, students visited the refugee clinic, where basic healthcare services are provided, the interview rooms handling individual case assessments and refugee status determination, the registration area for new arrivals, a cosy cafeteria, and a playground designated to accommodate refugees’ families, as well as the waiting area for visitors and registrants.
After the tour, we attended a detailed briefing session in the meeting room, led by Mr. Jason Yeo. He explained the functions and responsibilities of UNHCR Malaysia, particularly its role in public health advocacy and support. The content covered the challenges faced by refugees during various phases of migration, public health threats within refugee communities, and coordinated efforts in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, including contact tracing for infectious diseases, vaccination, and access to healthcare.
The visit was eye-opening and highlighted the often-invisible challenges faced by refugees in Malaysia. As future public health professionals, the experience emphasised the importance of compassionate, inclusive policies and culturally sensitive healthcare practices. This visit has inspired public health postgraduate students to continue their advocacy for displaced communities and to explore future opportunities to make meaningful contributions to humanitarian efforts.
The visit concluded with a group photo session. It was a memorable and enriching afternoon that complemented the academic learning with real-world context and perspective.
