465 deaths in immigration depots over 5 years, including 12 children

PETALING JAYA: A total of 465 deaths were recorded in immigration department depots from 2021 to 2025, the Dewan Rakyat was told today

Home minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the figure was 0.13% of the 349,856 total admissions over the period.

He said 393 cases involved male detainees, 60 involved females, and 12 deaths involved children, comprising eight boys and four girls.

The highest number of deaths involved Filipino nationals (222), followed by Indonesians (109) and Myanmar nationals (61).

The remaining 73 cases involved detainees from Bangladesh, India, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, China, Pakistan, Iraq, Iran, Brunei, Palestine, Syria, the UK, and stateless individuals.

He was responding to a question from Wong Chen (PH-Subang) about information on deaths in immigration depots from 2015 to 2025, including breakdowns by depot, nationality, gender, and cause of death.

Saifuddin said the causes of death included sepsis and septic shock, respiratory diseases, heart and cardiovascular conditions, digestive and liver diseases, as well as infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS, leptospirosis, and meningitis.

He also said the immigration department has improved depot management procedures, including health screening upon admission, regular medical checks, and better medical record-keeping.

Other improvements include isolating infectious disease cases or mental health emergencies and direct referrals to hospitals or specialists.

Detainees are also provided with hygiene kits, clothing, and blankets, and are allowed outdoor recreation at least once a week.