Malaysia: Detention camps must be improved

The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) will discuss with the Home Ministry ways to improve the infrastructure and efficiency of the country's 17 detention camps for illegals.

SUHAKAM commissioner Datuk N. Siva Subramaniam said this was necessary to ensure that the welfare of detainees were taken care of.

"The situation here is like a time bomb and we must take a serious view of this. It can only be overcome with the cooperation of all parties," he told reporters after visiting the detention centre in Lenggeng on Thursday.

The visit followed rioting by 60 male detaineses at the camp who destroyed the fencing and burnt down the administration office on Monday.

The riot broke out when they found that their names had not been listed for relocation to third countries.

Siva Subramaniam said conditions at the Pekan Nenas, Semenyih and Machap Umboo detention camps were critical and there was an urgent need to improve the infrastructure and facilities.

On the rioting at the Lenggeng camp, he said over-crowding was one of the contributing factors as it was holding 1,090 detainees from 14 countries.

"Over-crowding leads to a tense situation in the camp. The Immigration Department which took over the 17 camps must beef up their manpower. This camp should have 208 officers but has only 40."

On the relocation of illegal immigrants to third countries, Siva Subramaniam said he would seek clarification from the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) on this.

Date: 24 April 2008

Source: BERNAMA