PETALING JAYA: A Myanmar teenage girl reported to have been sent back to her conflict-torn homeland under a recent repatriation scheme is actually still in Malaysian custody, the Immigration Department has clarified.
Addressing public concern over the teenager’s welfare, Immigration Director-General Datuk Zakaria Shaaban confirmed on Wednesday (Sept 30) that she remains held at an immigration depot.
He clarified that checks showed she was not among the group of Myanmar nationals repatriated aboard a Myanmar military vessel on Sept 29.
"While enforcing immigration laws, the department balances our duties with humanitarian considerations, strictly following standard laws and procedures," Zakaria said in a statement.
He said that depot management adheres to international standards, including the United Nations' Nelson Mandela Rules, alongside national regulations ensuring the humane treatment of detainees.
Urging the public against spreading unverified reports, Zakaria added that the department remains committed to carrying out its duties professionally and transparently.
