PONTIAN: Sixty-six of the 105 Sri Lankan refugees being held at the Pekan Nenas detention centre have been released.
The Sri Lankans, including 17 women and children, left with smiles on their faces in two buses at about 12.30pm here on Wednesday.
Johor Immigration deputy director Amran Ahmad said that the released refugees have been handed over to representatives of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
“We are delighted that some of them have been released and the process was fast.
“Efforts have begun to secure the release of another 21 as well,” he said, adding that the 17 have been charged with immigration offences while another was released to his employer recently.
Ahmad dismissed allegations that the Sri Lankans had gone on a hunger strike until some of them had required hospital treatment, saying that they had been sent to a nearby hospital because they were down with flu and fever.
“There was no hunger strike at all as we gave them proper meals.
“We urge all parties, including non-governmental organisations, to refrain from spreading rumours or speculating on such matters,” he said.
Meanwhile UNHCR External Relations officer Yante Ismail confirmed the released of the prisoners.
“We are thankful of the cooperation from the Immigration Department.
“We will continue to advocate the release of the remaining refugees and asylum seekers as soon as possible,” she said.
Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) commissioner Datuk N. Siva Subramaniam commended the Immigration Department and UNHCR for securing the release of the refugees.
“I hope that the remaining prisoners will be released soon.
“However, strict actions must be taken against those who exploited the refugees by bringing them to Malaysia with the promise of jobs,” he said.
No comments:
Post a Comment