Depot riot: Home Minister orders immediate probe by police, Immigration

PUTRAJAYA: The Immigration Department and police have been ordered to investigate the reason why some 500 Rohingya refugees escaped from a detention centre in Kedah.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin (pic) said he had ordered an immediate probe to be done on the incident.

ALSO READ: Ten dead after riot at Immigration repot leads to massive prison break

He also directed all enforcement agencies under the ministry to mount a manhunt to nab those still at large.

"The focus now is to arrest the remaining escapees," he said in a statement Wednesday (April 20).

ALSO READ: Depot riot: Manhunt launched for remaining 176 escapees, say Kedah police

Hamzah explained that the 528 escapees are Rohingya refugees who were transferred from a detention camp in Langkawi after they were arrested for trespassing Malaysian waters in 2020.

They were arrested for violating the Immigration Act for entering the country illegally and without valid documents, he added.

ALSO READ: Depot riot: Penang cops recapture 229 Rohingya detainees near NSE

"I reiterate that Malaysia does not recognise refugees as we are not a signatory to the Refugee Convention 1951.

"Their presence in the country is only allowed on humanitarian grounds," he said.

Hamzah also reminded foreigners to abide by Malaysian laws at all times.

"To protect the sovereignty of the country and the interest of the people, we will act against anyone who violates our laws," he said.

ALSO READ: Depot riot: Picture gallery

As at press time, 382 out of the 528 escapees have been re-arrested.