The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) today called on the government to slow down a mass expulsion of migrant workers from neighbouring Indonesia and the Philippines.

"Malaysia should not push people out in large numbers within a short period. If you take harsh measures to send people back, some human rights are bound to be violated," Farooq Azam, the Bangkok-based IOM regional representative, told AFP .

There have been protests in both Indonesia and the Philippines this week over the alleged harsh treatment of their citizens by Malaysia, which introduced new penalties including jail terms and whipping for illegal immigrants on Aug 1.

Philippine officials have said several Filipino children died after being subjected to unhygienic conditions in holding areas ahead of deportation - a charge denied by Malaysia.