Below is an article published by the Kaowao News Group;

Only a handful of Mon asylum seekers have been recognized as refugees in Malaysia despite increasing numbers there. Nai Roy Mon, a social worker at the Mon Refugee Organization (MRO) based in Kuala Lumpur, said that over two thousand Mons have registered with the MRO and only about 250 (12.5%) have been able to gain an interview with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in the past two years. 

Asylum seekers often look for help in applying for refugee status at the UNHCR office through the MRO, but their chances are minimal. "Compared to other ethnic groups, few Mons have been recognized (as refugees).  Only 8 people resettled to third countries; 5 to Denmark, 2 to Canada and 1 to Norway.  Our situation back home is not better than that of other ethnic groups, but the Mon lack attention.  The overseas or former Mon refugees need to talk with their respected governments to consider this situation," commented, Nai Lawee Chan, MRO officer.

A Mon youth Apar Hong Mon, who fled Burma fearing arrest by local militia in Mon State said, "It is unfortunate that our plight is forgotten. We have no Mon interpreters and the UNHCR office favors other groups (Muslim and Christian) who have good connections with the officers here." Hong and his brothers fled from his village in Ye after local authorities accused them of supporting the opposition group in Mon State.

The UNHCR recognizes many Rohingyas and Chins as refugees, granting them temporary status.  Several thousands have been provided with documentation that identifies them to Malaysian authorities. Last month, the Malaysian authorities raided the MRO office in Penang and Nai Mon Nyan, a community leader, was among ten people who were arrested.

With the help of local NGOs, the MRO offices in Kula Lumpur and Penang actively work to address the problem of Mon refugees.  While the MRO is unable to secure refugee status, they are able to provide assistance in looking for work and medical care to both men and women, as well as provide shelter, food, and clothing.

Since human rights violations continue in southern Burma, many Mon have fled to Malaysia as illegal immigrants and live under miserable conditions.