Interfaith Solidarity Mission in Sabah: From Migrant Realities to Opportunities for Cooperation, Advocacy and Service
The Interfaith Solidarity Mission (ISM) 2026 was conducted from February 13-16, 2026 at Sabah, Malaysia. Organized by the Asia Pacific Mission for Migrants (APMM) and the Asia Pacific Interfaith Mission for the Rights of Migrants (AP INFORM). The mission was co-organized by the ANAK Sabah, Archdiocesan Commission for Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerants (ACMI), Churches Witnessing With Migrants (CWWM) and Moningolig Pogun Tokou (MOPOT).
The mission sought to deepen the understanding of the complex situation migrants and their families face in Sabah, particularly their access to social protection, assistance, essential services and justice.
The delegates represented faith-based organizations, interfaith groups, migrant rights organisations, and agrarian reform movements based in Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, and Thailand. They visited migrant communities and alternative learning centers in Keningau, Kota Kinabalu, and Sandakan. Interviews and focus group discussions (FGD) were held with migrants, migrant service providers and faith-based workers while dialogues and meetings were facilitated with government officials and agencies.
The mission identified key challenges faced by the undocumented migrants and stateless individuals. Chief among these is the lack of proper documentation, which restricts their access to basic social services, including health and education. Due to their precarious situation, many are relegated into 3D jobs (dirty, dangerous, and demeaning) - characterized by below job insecurity, minimum pay, prolonged working hours, and unsafe working conditions.
Migrant service providers and faith-based organisations remain at the forefront of migrant support in Sabah. They acknowledged, however, that more can be done for migrants through stronger cooperation and coordination.
The mission culminated through a debriefing session including ways of moving forward followed by a solidarity dinner.
A full report of the ISM will be released soon.
