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.

Indonesian officials say twenty-four returnees have died in the border town of Nunukan after being expelled from Sabah state.

A total of more than 300,000 illegal workers, mainly from Indonesia, went home under a fourth-month amnesty ahead of the introduction of the new laws.

"Malaysia should improve the system by allowing new migrants to come in with proper documents and at the same time gradually phase out the illegals," Azam told AFP . AFP