Navigating spatial exclusion: Lived experiences of settlement and housing among Rohingya refugees in Malaysia
This study examines the housing experiences of Rohingya refugees in Malaysia, focusing on housing types, rental affordability, and settlement patterns. Using a qualitative approach, in-depth interviews were conducted with 25 Rohingya refugee families in the Klang Valley, Penang, Kedah, and Johor to explore the socio-spatial dynamics of refugee settlement. The findings reveal that refugee housing is characterized by informality, overcrowding, and legal insecurity. Urban refugees often live in deteriorating squatter settlements or low-cost flats, while those in suburban or rural areas sometimes have access to better-quality housing at lower rents. Housing conditions are shaped by legal exclusion, informal labor markets, and spatial marginalization, which expose refugees to exploitation and health risks. Despite these challenges, refugees develop coping strategies through community networks, shared rentals, and informal support systems. The study highlights the need for inclusive housing policies that enhance rental security, establish minimum housing standards, and foster collaboration among government, civil society, and the private sector. Addressing refugee housing precarity is essential not only for humanitarian protection but also for sustainable urban governance.
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