Unfortunately, stateless children in Malaysia do not have access to a formal education as most public schools do not accept foreigners or undocumented children. Even if they somehow managed to attend school, they are not entitled to education perks such as the Textbook Loan Scheme. A tertiary education in Malaysia would also be as difficult for stateless individuals as they would have to pay foreign student fees which are generally higher and won’t be entitled to a National Higher Education Fund Corporation - or better known locally as PTPTN – loan.

Moreover, stateless children are also denied the right to legal employment, public services and even healthcare in Malaysia. Malaysians are able to use their Identification Card (IC) for unlimited use of public transport for a nominal fee of RM100 (US$23) a month. However, this scheme is not applicable to foreigners or those without an IC. Apart from that, the cost of healthcare in Malaysia is higher for non-citizens which means that foreigners, including stateless and undocumented individuals without an IC would need to pay more for consultations and medication at local clinics and hospitals. This has raised concerns among members of the public regarding the wellbeing of stateless people in Malaysia amid the current COVID-19 pandemic.

For many years now, child activists and organisations such as The Family Support Group for Stateless Malaysian Children have been fighting for the rights of children and stateless persons in the country. Many believe that it is unfair for a person born and raised in Malaysia to be treated as a foreigner.

Stateless children, through no fault of their own, inherit circumstances that limit their potential. They are born, live and, unless they can resolve their situation, die as almost invisible people.