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The Star

The 18-year ordeal of Norida Akmal Ayob, 45, has cast a spotlight on a silent crisis: an unknown number of Malaysian women remain stranded in “dire straits” across Indonesia, unable to afford the journey home.
According to Kosmo, many of these women share a similar ­trajectory – falling into financial ruin after marrying local men in Lombok and finding themselves trapped by the high costs of returning home.
“Money remains the main ­factor, as earning is difficult. My children and I were at the mercy of locals to get by,” Norida said from her hometown of Kampung Bukit Sapit in Lenggong, Malaysia’s Perak state.
Norida’s own journey began nearly two decades ago when she moved to Lombok with her then two-year-old daughter, Nur Fateen Akmadiana.
After her husband divorced her, she was left to fend for herself, working as a sweeper to survive.
While she eventually gave birth to a son, Muhamad Sabani Daniel, in Indonesia, the prospect of returning to Malaysia remained a distant dream due to the expense.
Her return on February 14 was ­finally made possible through the combined efforts of her family and the member of parliament for Lenggong, Shamsul Anuar Nasarah, who is also the deputy home minister.
Though she returned with her daughter – now 20 – her son remains in Lombok.
Despite the bittersweet separation, Norida expressed immense relief at being back on Malaysian soil.
“I am happy to celebrate Ramadan in my hometown with my family after living so long in Lombok,” she said.
This story was first published by The Star


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News

Asia

Southeast Asia

Trapped by financial woes after marrying local men in Lombok, many Malaysian women struggle to return home


Trapped by financial woes after marrying local men in Lombok, many Malaysian women struggle to return home.


Indonesia

Women and gender

The Sun

The silent crisis facing Malaysian women stranded in Indonesia

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Trapped by financial woes after marrying local men in Lombok, many Malaysian women struggle to return home

Trapped by financial woes after marrying local men in Lombok, many Malaysian women struggle to return home