1. The Mara community has been residing in Malaysia for more than two decades. Over the years, community leaders recognized the need to establish a social committee to provide social services and address the welfare needs and challenges faced by Mara refugees and asylum seekers in Malaysia.
2. As a result, the Mara Community Committee was established on 6 January 2008. Initially known as the Mara Community Committee (MCC), the organization was officially renamed the Mara Refugee Committee (MRC) in mid-2024 to better reflect the community's current identity, mission, and commitment to serving Mara refugees and asylum seekers in Malaysia.
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4. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Malaysia recognizes the Mara Refugee Committee (MRC) for its vital role in supporting the Mara refugee community. Over the years, the MRC has built strong partnerships with local non-governmental organizations (NGOs), churches, and the Alliance of Chin Refugees (ACR), fostering collaboration to enhance assistance and services for refugees and asylum seekers in Malaysia.
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6. The Mara Refugee Committee focuses on four main areas: (1) community welfare, (2) education, (3) advocacy and representation, and (4) social integration. Through these pillars, the MRC provides essential support to Mara individuals, families, and asylum seekers, contributing to the resilience and stability of the community.
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8. One of the MRC's key initiatives is the Mara Refugees Education Centre (MRCEC), located in Ampang, Kuala Lumpur. The Centre is a community-based school staffed by ten volunteer teachers and currently serves approximately 85 students.
9. Although the majority of the students are from Chin State, Myanmar, the Centre also welcomes children from the Zomi, Falam, Lautu, and Mon communities. Its primary aim is to provide basic education to refugee children who are unable to access formal government schools, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to learn and develop.
10. By equipping students with essential academic knowledge and life skills, the Centre empowers the younger generation and contributes to building a more self-reliant and resilient refugee community.
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12. In addition, the MRC organizes skill development programs such as computer literacy, vocational training, and language classes to help adults gain practical skills for employment.
13. Advocacy and representation are also central to the MRC’s main mission. The Committee serves as a voice for the Mara community in engagements with UNHCR and other organizations. It actively advocates with government agencies, legal bodies, and local authorities to address the challenges faced by the Mara people. These efforts help raise awareness and promote fair treatment and access to support services.
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15. Furthermore, the MRC promotes social integration by organizing seminars on social awareness and community engagement activities. These initiatives aim to strengthen unity within the Mara community while fostering positive relationships with other communities, encouraging mutual understanding and cooperation.
16. With strong support from its members, the MRC has maintained full-time volunteer staff since 2016. As of mid-2024, the Committee has three full-time volunteers dedicated to serving the community’s needs.
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According to records as of January 2026, there are approximately 3,600 Mara refugees residing in Malaysia. The majority are members of the Mara Evangelical Church Malaysia, while others are affiliated with the Mara Christian Fellowship and the Mara Baptist Church Malaysia.

The MRC's executive leadership team consists of the Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Coordinator, Secretary, Assistant Secretary, Finance Secretary, and Treasurer. Together, they play a vital role in leading the organization, supporting the Mara refugee community, and strengthening its presence and development in Malaysia.

1. The content was written by Henry Moses (MRC-Coordinator)