Immigration Department to Take Action After Report on Escape of Undocumented Migrants
Background
On February 1, 131 undocumented migrants escaped from the immigration detention depot in Bidor, Perak, Malaysia. The incident has led to an investigation by the Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC), which has now revealed the reasons behind the escape.
EAIC Findings
The EAIC report reveals that violence and abuse were among the reasons for the escape. The commission found that the abuse towards the detainees began between 2020 and 2021, when they were initially placed at the Wawasan Negara camp in Langkawi before being transferred to various immigration depots, including Bidor.
Abuse and Negligence
The report states that a few immigration officers at the Bidor depot, including two who were previously stationed at the Langkawi camp, were found to have engaged in acts of extreme violence, physical and mental abuse towards the Rohingya detainees, causing harm to them. The commission also cited negligence by immigration staff, inadequate monitoring, and poor infrastructure at the Bidor depot as contributing factors to the escape.
Department’s Response
Immigration Department Director-General, Zakaria Shaaban, has assured that the department takes the EAIC’s findings seriously and will not tolerate any form of abuse of power by its officers. However, he emphasized that the department is currently awaiting a comprehensive report from the EAIC before proceeding with further action.
International Standards
Zakaria emphasized that the department adheres to international standards, including the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (The Nelson Mandela Rules) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) guidelines on healthcare in detention. He also stated that the department complies with the relevant rules and regulations in the management of its 25 immigration depots nationwide.
Conclusion
The escape of 131 undocumented migrants from the Bidor immigration detention depot is a serious issue that requires immediate attention. The EAIC’s findings reveal a pattern of violence and abuse towards the detainees, which is unacceptable and inhumane. The immigration department must take concrete steps to address these issues and ensure that the rights of the detained migrants are respected and protected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What was the main reason for the escape of the undocumented migrants from the Bidor immigration detention depot?
A: The main reason was the abuse and violence towards the detainees by immigration officers.
Q: When did the abuse towards the detainees begin?
A: The abuse began between 2020 and 2021, when the detainees were initially placed at the Wawasan Negara camp in Langkawi before being transferred to various immigration depots.
Q: What is the immigration department’s response to the EAIC’s findings?
A: The department is currently awaiting a comprehensive report from the EAIC before proceeding with further action. The department also adheres to international standards and regulations in the management of its immigration depots nationwide.