Govt foots RM89mil food bill for detained illegal immigrants
KUALA LUMPUR: The government is incurring an annual expenditure of about RM89 million to provide meals for 16,412 illegal immigrants currently held at Immigration Department detention depots nationwide.
According to Utusan Malaysia, the estimated cost of RM15 per detainee per day covers meals only and does not include additional costs such as electricity and healthcare, which are also borne by the government.
However, the actual expenditure may vary depending on the fluctuating number of detainees entering or leaving the depots.
Immigration Department director-general Datuk Zakaria Shaaban said that as of April 30, a total of 16,412 undocumented migrants were being held at 18 permanent depots, two temporary depots, and six Baitul Mahabbah facilities across the country.
He said most of the detainees were from Myanmar, Indonesia, the Philippines, Bangladesh, and Thailand.
"At present, the government is spending RM15 per day to provide meals and drinks for each detainee at the depots. This rate also applies to those housed at temporary depots and Baitul Mahabbah centres.
"Annually, this amounts to more than RM89 million in meal costs alone. This figure excludes other expenditures, such as medical treatment, medication, electricity, and operational needs," he said.
Zakaria said that actual spending was contingent on the number of detainees held at any given time.
The current total capacity across all facilities stands at 21,530 individuals — comprising 19,750 at immigration depots, 380 at Baitul Mahabbah, and 1,400 at temporary depots.
"As of now, 16,412 individuals are being detained, and this figure changes regularly with new arrivals and deportations. Therefore, there is no issue of overcrowding.
"We conduct regular deportations, with an average of 4,000 to 4,400 individuals repatriated each month," he said.
Zakaria said that key performance indicators (KPIs) and standard operating procedures (SOPs) are in place to ensure that detainees were not held for more than three months before being deported.
"Although the government bears the cost of deportation, this strategy ultimately reduces the overall financial burden of prolonged detention.
"However, in certain cases, individuals are detained for longer periods due to issues with documentation or other constraints," he added.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- New Straits Times
Fadhlina: Mandatory preschool plan set for 13MP
PUTRAJAYA: Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek says the government plans to make preschool education compulsory to curb early student dropout, as part of the country's wider education reform agenda. She said the policy to make preschool education mandatory can no longer be delayed, despite challenges with infrastructure and teacher shortages, as it is key to improving the quality of the nation's education system. "We already have the compulsory primary education policy, which we consider a success in achieving universal enrolment. Then, we have the upcoming secondary school education policy, which I am confident will bring significant benefits by ensuring children have access to secondary education. "However, we want to start even earlier by making preschool education compulsory," she said in an interview with Utusan Malaysia. Fadhlina said the policy to make preschool education compulsory will be implemented under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), once infrastructure and curriculum are in place. The 13MP covers the period from 2026 to 2030. Fadhlina also said the education ministry was targeting the implementation of single-session schooling across more than 10,000 schools nationwide by 2030. "This, in turn, will create more space to conduct preschool classes," she said. Fadhlina said one of the special projects at the ministry involves screening children with special needs, which will also be expanded to the preschool level. "Pupils will be screened before entering the mainstream stream so that schools can identify whether they have conditions such as autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or other special needs — making it easier to customise classes accordingly," she said. Fadhlina said classes for children with special needs will be extended to the preschool level to meet rising demand. While the compulsory secondary education policy is being tabled in Parliament, the preschool policy is being finalised, she said. Malaysia's education policy aims to provide inclusive, high-quality education that develops well-rounded individuals and prepares students for global challenges.
The Sun
5 days ago
- The Sun
KL Strike Force ordered to tackle drug abuse comprehensively
KUALA LUMPUR: Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa has directed the KL Strike Force to conduct a comprehensive study and take immediate action to tackle drug abuse, particularly involving the misuse of vaping devices to distribute illicit substances. She said the threat was becoming increasingly concerning, as it had begun to spread among the younger generation, including school students. 'As such, I have directed that the issue be studied and addressed in a comprehensive and coordinated manner without delay. 'Follow-up action will be led by the KL Strike Force with the active involvement of enforcement agencies, educational institutions, local communities and public health experts,' she said in a statement on Facebook tonight. Dr Zaliha, who is also the KL Strike Force chairman, said the approach would encompass enforcement, prevention, rehabilitation and public education. The KL Strike Force is a special unit that operates in an integrated manner and comprises various agencies, including the Royal Malaysia Police, the Immigration Department, Kuala Lumpur City Hall and the Royal Malaysian Customs Department. Commenting on the overall security situation in the Federal Territories, Dr Zaliha said it remained stable and under control but reminded the public not to be complacent. 'The peace we enjoy today must be preserved through consistent commitment, swift response and strong inter-agency cooperation. 'Security reflects the strength of society and the effectiveness of the policies in place. Our ability to address the root causes of social ills forms the foundation of a more resilient city,' she said. She also expressed appreciation to all security agencies, enforcement teams and local authorities for their strong commitment in safeguarding the security of the Federal Territories. Earlier, Dr Zaliha chaired the Federal Territory State Security Committee meeting, which serves as a key platform for security and enforcement agencies in the Federal Territories. The meeting aimed to provide a comprehensive overview and discuss the current security situation in the Federal Territories, including assessments of the National Security Index, urban crime trends and emerging challenges that require more comprehensive action.
New Straits Times
5 days ago
- New Straits Times
KL Strike Force to combat vape-based drug abuse among youths
KUALA LUMPUR: Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa has directed the KL Strike Force to conduct a comprehensive study and take immediate action to tackle drug abuse, particularly involving the misuse of vaping devices to distribute illicit substances. She said the threat was becoming increasingly concerning, as it had begun to spread among the younger generation, including schoolchildren. "As such, I have directed that the issue be studied and addressed in a comprehensive and coordinated manner without delay. "Follow-up action will be led by the KL Strike Force with the active involvement of enforcement agencies, educational institutions, local communities, and public health experts," she said in a statement on Facebook last night. Dr Zaliha, who is also the KL Strike Force chairman, said the approach would encompass enforcement, prevention, rehabilitation, and public education. The KL Strike Force is a special unit that operates in an integrated manner and comprises various agencies, including the police, the Immigration Department, Kuala Lumpur City Hall, and the Customs Department. Commenting on the overall security situation in the Federal Territories, Dr Zaliha said it remained stable and under control but reminded the public not to be complacent. "The peace we enjoy today must be preserved through consistent commitment, swift response, and strong inter-agency cooperation. "Security reflects the strength of society and the effectiveness of the policies in place. Our ability to address the root causes of social ills forms the foundation of a more resilient city," she said. She also expressed appreciation to all security agencies, enforcement teams, and local authorities for their strong commitment in safeguarding the security of the Federal Territories. Earlier, Dr Zaliha chaired the Federal Territory State Security Committee meeting, which serves as a key platform for security and enforcement agencies in the Federal Territories. The meeting aimed to provide a comprehensive overview and discuss the current security situation in the Federal Territories, including assessments of the National Security Index, urban crime trends, and emerging challenges that require more comprehensive action.– BERNAMA
