Immigration department to probe abuse allegations

PUTRAJAYA: The Immigration Department will investigate allegations that Rohingya refugees in Malaysian immigration detention centres are living in deplorable conditions which has resulted in two dozen deaths since 2015.
In a statement released today, the department said it has launched an investigation into claims that inmates were deprived of basic necessities such as food, water and medical care.
This comes after The Guardian published a report on the deplorable conditions the refugees and asylum seekers at these centres are facing.
The report also claims that inmates had perished due to "torture-like" conditions such as physical abuse by officers.
The department said the claims will be investigated and if officers are found guilty, action will be taken under the Public Officers Regulations (Conduct and Discipline) (Amendment) 2002.
"The department also views seriously claims of the death of inmates in the detention centres. As an early measure, the medical assistant will conduct physical health screening when accepting inmates," it read.
"For those who have health problems, they will be sent to the clinic or hospital for treatment," the department said.
The statement also touched on claims that the inmates were not getting enough food and water.
"The Home Ministry appointed contractors to supply meals to the inmates and they were fed four times daily. They can also refer to the officers if they need more food and drinks," said the department.
The department said the deaths that occurred among the inmates were due to critical or communicable diseases which they suffered before they were placed in the detention centres.
The report had accounts from refugees in these camps claiming they were abused and had to drink toilet water out of necessity.