A total of 112 inmates at the Semenyih immigration detention centre in Selangor launched a hunger strike today to allegedly protest against the poor living conditions there and their continued incarceration.

When contacted, National Human Rights Society (Hakam) secretary-general Elizabeth Wong said the hunger strike started at 7am.

According to her, the strikers comprise asylum seekers and refugees from Aceh, Afghanistan, Nepal as well as those from Burma's Rohingya and Chin communities.

Camp commander Ariffin Mohd Nor confirmed the strike but denied that it had anything to do with the conditions there.

"They refused to eat this morning and demanded to meet UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) officers," he told reporters outside the camp.

He added that the situation was 'normal' and described it as a 'peaceful demonstration'.

"They (the hunger strikers) did not give us any problems so we did not ask the police to help us," he said.

On the complaints from inmates regarding the camp such as insufficient sleeping space and food, Ariffin said conditions were improving.

"Now they do have enough sleeping place but of course it is not as comfortable as at home and the food is alright," he added.

According to him, there are currently 1,540 detainees at the camp, who are housed in five blocks, with each block holding between 350 to 400 people.

'Inappropriate move'

Meanwhile, UNHCR high commissioner Volker Turk said the agency had advised those involved to stop the hunger strike as it was 'inappropriate'.

"We are trying to counsel them to stop the hunger strike and hope that they will stop soon," he added when contacted.

Turk was also of the opinion that conditions at the camp were improving.

"I think after the prison (authorities) took over the camp (in May), they are actually working on improving it," he said.

Previously the camp was under the jurisdiction of the immigration department.

Responding to a question, Turk said UNHCR will continue to find a solution to the hunger strike on humanitarian grounds.

He said the agency despatched an interpreter, psychologist, protection officer and security officer to the camp immediately after being informed of the strike this morning.

Reporters were barred from entering the camp while several photographers were taken to task by camp officials for taking photos of the premises.

However, those outside could hear the detainees shouting and the strike was still underway as media representatives left the scene at about 4pm.