Story perspectives

Rohingya Father Captures Son's Milestones After Detention

3/23/2026

Summary

Story summary

Farouk, a 26-year-old Rohingya man in Klang, Malaysia, records his son's milestones on video after never holding him.
In early 2024, Farouk and his wife were arrested during an immigration sweep for entering Malaysia illegally.
His wife gave birth in a detention center, where Farouk was held separately.
Farouk was released after two weeks because the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) identification card protects him from forced repatriation.

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Story summary

Farouk, a 26-year-old Rohingya man in Klang, Malaysia, records his son's milestones on video after never holding him.
In early 2024, Farouk and his wife were arrested during an immigration sweep for entering Malaysia illegally.
His wife gave birth in a detention center, where Farouk was held separately.
Farouk was released after two weeks because the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) identification card protects him from forced repatriation.