The Immigration Department denies claims that a Myanmar teenage girl was repatriated, clarifying she remains in detention.
PETALING JAYA: The Immigration Department has denied claims that a Myanmar teenage girl was repatriated to her home country under the Repatriation Programme on Sept 29.
Immigration director-general Datuk Zakaria Shaaban said checks by the department found that the teenager was still being detained at an immigration depot and was not among the Myanmar nationals repatriated aboard a Myanmar military vessel on that date.
He said the department took note of concerns raised on social media following claims that the teenager had been repatriated, particularly those relating to the safety and welfare of detainees.
“In carrying out its immigration law enforcement responsibilities, the department also gives due consideration to humanitarian considerations, subject to the provisions of the law and procedures in force,” he said in a statement today.
Zakaria said the management of immigration depots was carried out in accordance with international standards, including the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, also known as the Nelson Mandela Rules.
He said internal controls were also implemented under the Immigration Regulations (Administration and Management of Immigration Depots) 2003 and the Director-General of Immigration’s Standing Instructions on the Administration and Management of Immigration Depots, taking into account the principles of humane treatment.
He urged the public not to disseminate unverified information that could cause confusion over the department’s actions and procedures.
“We remain committed to enforcing immigration laws professionally and with integrity, while giving due attention to the welfare of detainees and humanitarian considerations,” he said.
