The anti-Filipino sentiment is most notable in the state of Sabah in Malaysia due to a large presence of Filipino Moro illegal immigrants causing simmering resentment in the state . The Sabahan locals refer to the illegal immigrants from the southern Philippines as " Pilak " which means ( Filipino illegal immigrants ) pejoratively . The cause of this anti sentiment is due to the Muslims Filipino illegals immigrants who arrived in the 1970s from the Southern Philippines insurgency bringing along their social problems , culture of crime , and poverty conditions as well as taking away jobs , business opportunities and allegedly stealing Sabahan native land ( NCR ) in the state . This hatred was further strengthened when many of these illegal immigrants were involved in crime mostly robbery , murder and rape . Locals became the main victims which has affected the security of the state as evidenced by the recent 1985 ambush , 2000 kidnappings and 2013 standoff . Large amounts had been spent for these Filipino illegal immigrants life maintenance and the amount remains unpaid until today despite attempts to recover the monies . Sabah Health Department said that infectious disease among the illegal immigrants was on the rise resulting to more expenditures , as well as provisions for more funds to accommodate the logistics such as medical officers and others
1985 ambush
1985 Lahad Datu ambush
Anti-Filipino sentiment