FOR ABDUL RAFIQUE KARIM, duty begins with faith. He starts his day by fulfilling his obligations as a Muslim before turning to the work that has defined his career—bridging communities, strengthening international ties and driving social change. With deep roots in both corporate and diplomatic spheres, his impact is felt far beyond boardrooms and embassies. In between his daily activities, he attends high-level meetings, meets with the community and provides assistance to those who need it.

An Honorary Consul-General of Pakistan in Penang since 2007, Rafique attends to the needs of the Pakistani community who reside in Penang. He himself is a fourth-generation naturalised Malaysian of Pakistani descent from Punjab.

“There are two groups: one is made up of naturalised Malaysian Pakistanis and the other, expatriates and workers from Pakistan,” he explains. There are between 80 to 100 of the former and 4,000 of the latter in the state.

When Rafique was offered the position of the Honorary Consul-General by then High Commissioner of Pakistan Talat Munir, he was not too keen to take up the position.

“I was already involved in many community activities. I head many NGOs—trade and others. But I thought, okay, I have to help the Pakistani community here. At the same time, I could help build up the relationship between Pakistan and Malaysia, particularly Penang.”

Strengthening Malaysia-Pakistan Ties

As an Honorary Consul-General, Rafique’s foremost duty is to enhance trade.

“Then, to promote culture. After that, fostering people-to-people exchange or tourism. Essentially, these are the areas we focus on.”

Pakistan is one of the largest importers of Malaysia’s crude palm oil. Palm oil companies also set up refineries in Pakistan so that crude palm oil can be processed in the country to save cost. Other than that, Pakistan also imports coconut oil from Malaysia.

Beyond trade, there is also consular work. “This means that if someone wants to travel to Pakistan and requires a visa, we assist them with the application,” he explains.

Although Rafique’s office does not issue visas, he helps travellers by issuing them recommendation letters. He also gives travellers information on what to do and whom to contact in Pakistan.

There are currently at least five flights a week between KL and Lahore, Karachi and Islamabad. Back when there were no direct flights between Pakistan and Malaysia by local airlines, Rafique approached Batik Air—formerly Malindo Air—to propose the air route.

“I spoke to Chandran Rama Muthy from Malindo. And then, I went to speak with the Deputy Minister of Transport, who’s also a good friend of mine, Aziz Kaprawi.”

At the time, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) was the only airline flying from KL to Islamabad and Karachi three times a week, and the flights were always full.

“We pushed very hard for flights by local airlines. Finally, when the route was created after the necessary approvals, I was on the first flight from KL to Lahore,” he beams.

“In May 2025, AirAsia will have flights to Karachi.”

Showcasing A Different Side of Pakistan

Apart from promoting Islam as a shared cultural and religious touchpoint between Malaysia and Pakistan, Rafique is also creating more interest and awareness on places of interest in Pakistan for visitors of other faiths, such as Buddhists and Sikhs.

“Taxila has been an intellectual hub since the 6th century BCE. Students once flocked there to study the Vedas, Sanskrit grammar, mathematics, astronomy, Ayurvedic medicine, politics, military science and philosophy.

“Buddha’s teachings arrived there between 1,000 BCE and 500 CE. The Taxila Museum houses a comprehensive collection of Gandharan art excavated from the ruins of ancient Taxila.”

Rafique previously arranged for Universiti Sains Malaysia’s archaeological team to visit Taxila and Peshawar, where relics can still be found near the border with Afghanistan.

“The Pakistani community is particularly involved in trade, textiles and the food industry here. I advise them on the regulatory procedures, licences and so on. I also help them with suggestions for premises. If they need contacts in Pakistan, I will connect them with Pakistani exporters,” he says.

Touching on a recent viral video of a Pakistani man sharing his experience of living in Malaysia after being accused of taking away job opportunities from locals, Rafique emphasised that many Pakistani men are either married to Malaysian women or have local business partners and are legally eligible to conduct business in the country.

“As long as they are not operating illegally or exploiting loopholes, they should be allowed to earn a living,” he asserts.

Shaik Ismail Allaudin: Carrying the Torch of Diplomatic Service

Like Rafique, Shaik Ismail Allaudin’s main responsibility as the Honorary Consul of Bangladesh to Penang is to establish friendly diplomatic relations between the two, and to extend collaboration in the areas of trade and commerce, maritime matters, immigration, etc. “In addition, I look after the welfare of the Bangladeshi citizens, advising and helping those in trouble and so on.”

For over two decades, Shaik has served as the Honorary Consul of Bangladesh in Penang, continuing a family legacy of diplomatic service and acting as a crucial bridge between Malaysia and the Bangladeshi community.

“Since I was young, I have been interested in the role of a diplomat, especially after being exposed to my late father’s work.”

Shaik’s father was the Honorary Consul General for Bangladesh for almost 16 years until he passed away in September 2002. Shaik assumed his father’s position in November 2004, making him one of the longest-serving honorary consuls in Malaysia today.

“I was appointed because the High Commissioner believed I share the same qualities as my father; and I am also my father’s successor in his business.”

Interestingly, unlike many diplomatic appointments, the tenure of an honorary consul for Bangladesh is indefinite. One can hold the position for life, as was the case with Shaik’s father.

Serving the Bangladesh Community

Penang is home to over 40,000 legal Bangladeshi nationals, with an estimated 15% more residing undocumented. This makes Shaik’s consulate—which deals with diverse and complex issues ranging from immigration, consular, legal disputes and welfare matters—among the busiest in the country.

With his role extending to mediating disputes, acting as the first point of contact and advocating for workers’ rights, Shaik’s routine often involves advising workers seeking assistance with issues such as unpaid wages, poor living conditions and exploitation by unscrupulous agents. If necessary, Shaik reaches out to relevant local authorities to assist in addressing these.

While discussing the living conditions of Bangladeshi workers, Shaik commends the Penang state government for its efforts in addressing their housing concerns. However, many Bangladeshi workers are still unaware of their rights, and more needs to be done, he says.

Deaths and Crisis Management: A Grim Reality

One of the most difficult and sensitive responsibilities of his office is handling the death of Bangladeshi nationals. Due to the nature of their work in the country, Bangladeshis are at a disproportionately higher risk for death and other serious injuries compared to other foreign nationals. Shaik counts that on average, there are about five to six cases of deaths reported every month.

“If the worker is legally employed, the employer bears the cost. If found illegal, the community will collect funds.”

In cases involving employer malpractice or negligence, legal action is taken after reviewing each case individually.

“After which, we will help the victims’ families obtain compensation, which is generally between RM25,000 to RM30,000. A few of these cases reach the court, and in others, employers settle out of court.”

Shaik’s office also works closely with the High Commission of Bangladesh in KL and relevant Malaysian authorities in such cases.

“It is very challenging… We cannot repatriate the body immediately if next of kin cannot be contacted quickly.”

Sensing Future Opportunities

With Bangladesh’s growing economy and population, Shaik sees massive potential where trade is concerned. “The market is so huge that the potential is tremendous.” As it is, Malaysia exports palm oil, ball clay and minerals to Bangladesh, while the latter exports garments and frozen seafood to Malaysia.

While there are currently no direct flights from Bangladesh to Penang, there are frequent flights between Bangladesh and KL.

“All flights are via KL, Bangkok or Singapore. We don’t have any direct flights to Penang, but this is something that we want to pursue,” he says. He added that he sees strong potential in promoting Penang’s medical tourism and educational institutions as attractive options for Bangladeshis seeking quality healthcare and higher education abroad.

Meanwhile, talks have been ongoing since before Covid-19 to realise a sister-port relationship between Chittagong Port and Penang Port.

Despite the pressures and challenges of being an Honorary Consul, Shaik finds deep meaning in his role. “What I personally find fulfilling is that I get the chance to learn about diplomacy and its functions, meeting people from different backgrounds,” he articulates. “This opens up my mind and develops a sense of fulfilment when I am able to assist people in their time of need.”

With five children and a full calendar of diplomatic and social engagements, his days are always full. From hosting VIPs to breaking fast during Ramadan with the community, Shaik remains the ever-approachable and dedicated face of the Bangladeshi consulate in Penang.