KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) is investigating allegations of ill-treatment at the Kimanis Immigration detention centre in Sabah and has urged the authorities to grant the group immediate access to the site.
In a statement to The Vibes, the commission said it had filed a request to the Immigration Department on Monday to make a periodic visit to the centre, but did not receive a response before a video and photos alleging ill-treatment were shared widely on social media.
Suhakam said it views the allegations seriously and would take appropriate action.
“We urge anyone with information on the matter to contact our Sabah office at 088-317-504 or 019-324-5650 while we conduct our probe.”
Meanwhile, a Suhakam officer said the commission will issue a full statement once it has gathered more information on the matter.
Yesterday, The Vibes had reported on viral video clips and photos of frail-looking individuals said to be incarcerated in Kimanis, purportedly claiming they received poor treatment at the site.
In a video, a detainee alleged that some of them have been locked up at the centre for up to three years. He also said detainees were not getting enough sustenance and felt that they were not in good health.
“When we appeal for treatment from the immigration (officials), we are not entertained. They only entertain serious cases,” said the man in the video who also pleaded to be released.
In a press conference today, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the frail-looking detainees were already in that condition before being brought to the detention centre, and that it was unfair for certain quarters to “overplay” the issue.
“They were already frail-looking when they were detained. They were already like that before going in (to the detention centre).
“So, their weak physical conditions and frail looking-condition were not caused when they went in there, no,” he said at a press conference at the Immigration Department headquarters which was also streamed live on Facebook.
Saifuddin said he hoped the media would rectify the matter “and give us a fair report”.
Coincidentally, Suhakam today also said its personnel from its Sabah office had conducted a separate visit to the Tawau immigration depot yesterday and found several issues.
Among other things, the commission said the portions of food given to detainees is insufficient and not up to the Health Ministry’s standard quality-wise.
However, Suhakam also noted that the Immigration Department is in the midst of replacing the food contractor. – The Vibes, December 9, 2022
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