KUALA LUMPUR – Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail has categorically rejected the Human Rights Watch (HRW) report alleging overcrowding in the country’s detention centres.
As of March 7, Saifuddin said that the number of detainees in immigration depots is 13,635, well below the maximum capacity of 20,650.
“They are operating under capacity, so the Human Rights Watch report has nullified itself. Let the numbers speak.
“Are they congested? The answer is no,” he said during today’s Minister’s Question Time (MQT) in Dewan Rakyat.
These remarks were made in response to a question from Lim Guan Eng (Bagan-PH) who sought government actions following the recent report which criticised the government for suppressing refugee groups in overcrowded detention centres and exceeding capacity, as well as highlighted deaths among vulnerable groups and children.
The HRW report, titled “We Can’t See The Sun, Malaysia’s Arbitrary Detention of Migrants and Refugees,” outlined various punishments inflicted by officers for offences such as asking questions, expressing concerns about detention conditions, communicating with detainees in adjacent blocks, engaging in fights, possessing cell phones, making noise, and more.
On the currently detained individuals, Saifuddin said the highest numbers came from Myanmar (4,541), followed by Indonesia (3,757), the Philippines (2,914), Bangladesh (1,000), Thailand (329), and others (1,054).
Saifuddin further explained the reasons behind their detention including awaiting deportation after court-imposed sentences, as well as committing immigration and passport-related offences.
He highlighted that detainees with UNHCR cards (UN refugee cards) may also be involved in legal violations, including drug offences, rape, murder, and even theft of rare earths in Sik, Kedah.
Addressing the financial aspect, Saifuddin said that the government spent RM123 million last year to manage detention centres, with RM80 million allocated solely for food expenses. Expenses also include ferrying costs and airfare for deportations.
In light of the HRW report, the Parliamentary Select Committee, led by Selayang MP William Leong, has summoned the Home Ministry and Immigration Department to address the concerns, Saifuddin said.
HRW has also been requested to provide further clarification.
Saifuddin expressed frustration over the lack of evidence provided by HRW regarding alleged torture and deaths.
He emphasised that the HRW report lacks any proof and criticised the organisation for releasing such information to the world without substantiating the claims.
“They (HRW) do not even have a shred of evidence (on the alleged torture and deaths), but they have released a report to the world,” Saifuddin said. – March 12, 2024