Hate speech targets Rohingya and other migrants in Malaysia

During the outbreak of COVID-19, Malaysia has seen an increase in hate speech targeting Rohingya refugees as well as undocumented migrants. Fake news has been spread online to scapegoat the most vulnerable communities and to try turning the population against them. Following the Movement Control Order, undocumented migrants and refugees have also been detained in Malaysia. Maalini Ramalo, Senior Manager of Development of Human Resources in Rural Areas (DHRRA), explains the factors that have contributed to the spread of fake news and gives an insight into immigration detention in her country.