PETALING JAYA: The G25 group of prominent retired civil servants today called for a comprehensive review of Malaysia’s migration and immigration detention policies, following 465 deaths in immigration depots within five years.
In a statement, G25 said the revised policy should establish a coherent national framework that protects national security while upholding the rule of law.
It said the framework should include improving conditions and independent oversight of detention centres as well as developing clear administrative procedures to distinguish refugees, asylum seekers, victims of trafficking, and undocumented migrants.
It should also include strengthening enforcement against organised trafficking syndicates and employers who knowingly exploit undocumented labour, it said.
“Good governance demands policies that protect national security while respecting the rule of law and human dignity.
“Malaysia’s approach to migrants, refugees, and immigration detention requires a balanced and principled response.”
On July 29, the Dewan Rakyat was told that a total of 465 deaths, including 12 children, were recorded in immigration department depots from 2021 to 2025.
Filipino nationals made up the highest number of deaths with 222, followed by Indonesians (109) and Myanmar nationals (61).
