The government has refused to disband a volunteer corps used to crack down on illegal immigrants which has been criticised for rights abuses and vigilantism.

Criticism has been growing over the uniformed Rela corps, a 500,000-strong volunteer citizen taskforce that assists officials, with rights groups alleging harsh and violent treatment against illegal immigrants.

But Home Minister Radzi Sheikh Ahmad said the government would not dissolve Rela just because of the actions of a few members, the Star newspaper reported on Sunday.

"The government acknowledges Rela's role and parliament has empowered its members to conduct raids and arrest illegal immigrants," Radzi was quoted saying.

"Rela organises raids together with agencies like the immigration and national registration departments. It is not right to liken them to militia or call them vigilantes," he added.

Negative reports

In a report released last week, Malaysian rights group Suaram said the use of Rela to round up illegal immigrants was leading to "rampant human rights violations and the sanctioning of a vigilante culture."

The US-based Human Rights Watch last month separately alleged Rela was using violence and extortion against foreigners and was responsible for numerous cases of illegal detention.

It also called for the corps to be immediately disbanded.

Rela volunteers have legal immunity and are allowed to arrest individuals as well as enter and search any premises without a warrant.

Rela was set up in 1972 under the home affairs ministry to help maintain public order.