KUALA LUMPUR: International medical humanitarian organisation Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has called for a comprehensive review of policies related to the detention of illegal immigrants in the country.
In a statement, the organisation said it was crucial to explore alternatives to detention, taking into account vulnerabilities, pre-existing trauma and health needs of the detainees.
It also called for a renewed focus on dialogue and collaboration to develop policies that safeguard their health and dignity while addressing the legitimate concerns of host countries.
Head of Mission Froukje Pelsma said MSF expressed serious concern regarding the recent reports of over a hundred illegal immigrants fleeing the Bidor Immigration Detention Depot on Thursday night, including the tragic loss of two lives.
Pelsma said the conditions inside the centres, where people are detained arbitrarily and indefinitely, has had a detrimental effect on the physical and mental health of the detainees.
"The most recent incident, which is similar to that of the Sungai Bakap detention centre in April 2022, highlights once more the need to approach the plight of Rohingya people with compassion and understanding.
"While acknowledging the complexities faced by the Malaysian authorities, we advocate for alternative solutions that ensure the well-being of refugees without resorting to indefinite detention.
"Our observations in detention centres revealed a high prevalence of health issues, including skin infections, respiratory tract infections, dental problems, and mental health challenges such as depression and anxiety resulting from hopelessness and helplessness.
"These issues are exacerbated by poor living conditions, limited opportunities for personal hygiene and a lack of mental and physical stimulation," said Pelsma.
There are currently around 2,000 Rohingya in detention in Malaysia, who remain stateless with no recourse to obtain legal status.
"In light of recent events, we reiterate our call for a comprehensive review of policies related to the detention of refugees. It is crucial to explore alternatives to detention, taking into account the vulnerabilities, pre-existing trauma and health needs of refugees," Pelsma added.
"MSF commends the Malaysian government's collaborative efforts with humanitarian organisations to address healthcare concerns within detention centres. However, we stress the importance of transitioning from short-term measures to long-term solutions that prioritise the rights and dignity of refugees.
"Detention should not be the default solution. We firmly believe that refugees, especially children, should not be detained in the first place. Refugees and asylum seekers should have access to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) while in detention", emphasised Pelsma.
Malaysia is not party to the 1951 Refugee Convention or the 1967 Protocol Relating to the Status of Refugees, which means the country has no legal or administrative framework governing refugee status and rights in the country.
However, on humanitarian grounds, the government has allowed those with the UNHCR card to stay temporarily here before being placed in a third country by the UNHCR on a case-by-case basis.