Nineteen Sri Lankan refugees have threatened to go on a hunger strike tomorrow if they are not released from the KLIA detention centre for fear that they will be deported to their homeland.

               

One of the refugees, who spoke on condition of anonymity, informed Malaysiakini that they will carry out the threat if their demands are not met.

"We will not eat the food given or drink even from the tap if the immigration refuses to release us."             

He cited forced repatriation as one of the reasons for the protest.

He claimed that under the current government in Sri Lanka, they will face persecution if they return.

"We rather die of hunger here, than to be sent home to face a tyrannical government."

According to the 28-year-old refugee, they were arrested three months ago in Johor Bahru. Following which a court convicted them of overstaying and sentenced them to 14 days in jail which they served at the Kluang prison.

Later, they were sent to the Machap Umboo detention centre in Melaka, where they spent the last few months.

'I have a valid UNHCR card'

However, about a week ago, he said an immigration officer offered to send them home to Sri Lanka for free.

Although they protested, they were relocated to the KLIA detention centre for deportation purposes.

"We are currently staying in the same hall with other detainees who will be deported soon and our turn will come by the end of this week," he claimed.

"I have a valid United Nation High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) card and I believe that the immigration authorities have all the necessary documentations from UNHCR to release us."

The refugee also confided that they have met with a UNHCR officer at the detention centre in Melaka and were given the assurance that they will be released within a week. 

"However, until today, we are still stuck at the detention centre uncertain about our release."

He voiced his disappointment over  his experience as he had not only paid a huge sum of money to come to Malaysia but had expected a safe environment and freedom on his arrival.

"But here we are locked up in detention centres indefinitely and treated like criminals."  

Meanwhile according to UNHCR external relations officer Yante Ismail, the immigration authorities have halted the deportation measures.

"As per standard practice, we have been given access to them and have undertaken the administrative procedures necessary in order to secure their release," she added.