The Vicious Cycle of Documentation Issues

By: Siti Rahayu Baharin

This morning, I had a conversation that left me deeply unsettled. A man, an undocumented immigrant, shared how he was stopped by the authorities and asked to pay RM300. With only RM200 to his name, the officers took what little he had. The anger I felt was twofold: at the corruption of those sworn to serve and protect, and at the systemic failures that perpetuate this cycle of desperation and injustice.

Let’s begin with the obvious: corruption. The officers are civil servants, paid by the government to uphold the law and protect society. Their actions in this instance betray that trust. Extorting money from a vulnerable individual is not only unethical but criminal. Yet, this story is not isolated; it is symptomatic of deeper systemic rot.

But what about the man himself? He is, by law, not supposed to be here. His presence is part of a larger problem: a vast, interconnected web of undocumented individuals, many of whom have children born into this precarious existence. These children are often rendered stateless, trapped in a multigenerational cycle of marginalization. The root causes of this crisis are manifold, and addressing them requires us to confront uncomfortable truths.

How did these adults enter the country illegally in the first place? Our borders are supposedly guarded. Are the stories of "mouse holes," clandestine routes used to bypass official checkpoints, more than just tales? The system’s cracks are glaringly evident when individuals who were caught, deported, and blacklisted reappear in the country within years. Where is the accountability? Where is the deterrence? If there is no fear of repercussions, the cycle will persist.

Another dimension of this issue lies with those who enter legally, often on tourist visas, and then overstay. They work, settle, and start families. Their children, born here, inherit their parents’ lack of documentation and the subsequent denial of rights to healthcare, education, and even the basic dignity of recognition.

Then there are documented migrant workers who flee abusive employers, becoming undocumented in their quest for survival. The system, once again, fails to protect the vulnerable while exacerbating the problem.

In all these scenarios, the question looms large: where are the authorities? What actions are being taken to address these wrongs? We believe a lot has been done. However, the rumors and hearsay that there may be corruption among those entrusted with guarding and enforcing border laws undermines any efforts to implement systemic reforms. If this is true, it should not be dismissed as a "root cause" problem that is too difficult to address. Complacency is complicity.

While we debate and delay, the most heartbreaking victims of this crisis are the children. Born without proper documentation, they are robbed of their rights from the moment they were born. They cannot access good healthcare, attend school, or live with the dignity every child deserves. They are invisible, yet their suffering is all too real.

The time for excuses is over. Yes, mistakes have been made, and the problem is complex. But acknowledging the enormity of the challenge should not paralyze us. Instead, it should galvanize us into action. We must address corruption, enforce border controls effectively, and create pathways for those already here to regularize their status. For the children, we must prioritize their right to education, healthcare, and protection regardless of their circumstances.

As an ordinary Malaysian, it is not easy to write and address this. I am scared to write this. I fear that speaking out might lead to repercussions or even a call from the authorities. But I feel compelled to do so. I cannot bear to see more children suffer, living lives devoid of dignity and opportunity. Their plight demands that we set aside our fears and act.

We need the collective will of policymakers, civil society, and individuals to tackle this issue head-on. The road ahead is undoubtedly long and fraught with challenges, but the cost of inaction is far greater. Every day we delay, more lives are lost to this vicious cycle of despair.

Let us find the courage to begin. Somewhere, somehow, we must start correcting the mess we all know exists. For the children who cannot speak for themselves, for the innocent lives caught in a web they did not create, and for the future of our society, let us act now.

Siti Rahayu Baharin is the founder of Buku Jalanan Chow Kit and one of the Directors of Mandiri. This article represents the personal views of the author and does not necessarily reflect the position of Mandiri as an organization. Send your article to hello@mandiri.my