Saifuddin denies blocking UNHCR entry to detention facilities
PUTRAJAYA: The Home Minister has refuted claims by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) that Malaysia denied the agency access to immigration detention depots.
According to Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, his ministry’s records show only two visit requests were made this year, contradicting suggestions that the government was blocking entry.
“UNHCR, as reported by The New York Times, claimed we denied them access. But to my recollection, only two letters were received this year requesting visits.
“Yet they told the world we blocked them. This is a matter of perception that we must address,” he said at the Home Ministry’s monthly assembly here yesterday.
A New York Times report quoted the UNHCR as saying it had been barred from most depots since 2019, limiting its ability to identify refugees or assess conditions.
It was also reported that depot access requires prior applications, and two visits were approved last year.
On an unrelated matter, Saifuddin Nasution emphasised that police stations must be accessible to all.
He reminded officers that their foremost responsibility is to accept reports regardless of the complainant’s appearance or circumstances.
“No matter what, appropriate attire is something we uphold. But the report must still be taken. There is no excuse to reject a report solely because of a person’s dressing,” he said.
“Existing circulars serve only as guidelines and should not be used to prevent people from lodging reports, especially during emergencies.
“If there is an accident, officers must take the report immediately. There is no compromise. This matter has also been raised in Cabinet,” he said, stressing that the public should never feel intimidated when seeking police assistance.
The minister’s remarks comes after a woman claimed she was barred from entering the Jasin police headquarters on Monday after a car accident because her skirt was above the knee.
She claimed she was instructed to buy trousers before being allowed to file her report.
Melaka police chief Deputy Comm Datuk Dzulkhairi Mukhtar said an internal inquiry was initiated and the woman was eventually permitted to file her report once she had changed into attire deemed appropriate.
Regarding allegations that a South Korean cult is operating in the country as claimed by Perlis Mufti Datuk Dr Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin, Saifuddin Nasution stressed that the authorities are always ready to initiate investigations if they receive any official reports.
“If he has any information, we will promptly begin investigations into deviant practices,” he said.
According to reports, the Perlis mufti claimed that several prominent figures were involved in the cult.
Saifuddin Nasution also addressed developments in the probe into the fatal shooting of three men in Durian Tunggal, Melaka, on Nov 24.
He said the special task force formed by the Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department is examining all statements and evidence, including matters raised by the victims’ families.
“Bukit Aman has set up a special task force as announced by Criminal Investigation Department director Comm Datuk M. Kumar.
“They will take statements from the families who initially spoke to lawyers about the alleged audio recordings and other matters. This falls within their scope,” he said.
Comm Kumar said seven individuals, including family members of the victims and four medical officers, had given their statements.
It was reported that the three men, believed to be members of the Durian Tunggal Gang, were shot dead after one of them attacked a policeman with a machete.
