As the drizzle clears in Desa Aman Puri (above), residents emerge from the apartments there as they go about their businesses, some to pick up items at the nearby grocery store, while others head for the neighbourhood restaurant.The mundane scene was in stark contrast to a raid in the area on July 4, which saw the detention of several Nigerian citizens, including PhD student Orhions Ewansiha Thomas, who was detained despite having valid documents and died in custody five days later.The father of two died after suffering a seizure at the Immigration Department's Bukit Jalil detention centre.The Immigration Department said it <a href="https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/483498">detained</a> Thomas to verify his document as it was suspicious of his initial reaction to run when confronted, but critics questioned why it needed five days to do so.Many Nigerians have taken up residence in the area, including 38-year-old Williams, who noted that there is also a significant police presence in the area.However, Williams has never run into trouble with the police. But like Thomas, he had been detained by the Immigration Department before.Williams spoke of the poor condition in such detention centres."It is not easy to be there. Everybody who came out from that place complained about their bad treatment."They use the stick, you know?... Punch like this, you know? Some of them get wounds everywhere."You cannot survive. The treatment is not good, as a human being," Williams told Malaysiakini.<div class="medium-insert-images"><figure><img src="https://i.malaysiakini.com/1168/135210ed8ea7a55aa131f2ee7d84aa12.jpeg" alt=""></figure></div>Another Nigerian resident, who only wanted to be known as Oke, said he was detained by the Immigration for three days at the airport."For three days, they did not give me any food," he said, alleging that Nigerians were singled out.Oke said he was not physically harmed, but saw other detainees being assaulted."I saw them kick somebody in the private part and the person fell down," he added.'Police took my money'Oke also claimed that he faced issues with police personnel from the Gombak district police headquarters, who he claimed had taken his money."The police took my money - RM24,000. He said my people won't go to prison."I send the money to the policeman’s account and he never gave back me the money until today," Oke said, showing receipts of the purported transaction."I went to the Gombak district police headquarters to report the police officer, but he (the person taking the report) said Nigerians are cheating (people), that is why Malaysians cheat me... so the police cannot do anything," he said.Oke claimed the police asked him to provide information about other Africans whom they can raid and get money from, before returning his money.Meanwhile, a Malaysian resident, who only wanted to be known as Arelim, noted that there were many foreigners living in the area, including from Thailand, Philippines and Bangladesh.However, the 29-year-old said he did not face serious problems, apart from noise complaints and quarrels among the foreigners themselves."There are no theft issues, just noise and quarrels among them. They don't create trouble for the locals," Arelim said.However, he added, their numbers have dwindled following multiple raids, with at least two this year.Immigration and police deny misconductWhen contacted, Immigration Department director-general Khairul Dzaimee Daud (photo, below) denied the mistreatment of detainees and any discrimination against Nigerians.<div class="medium-insert-images"><figure><img src="https://i.ncdn.xyz/publisher-c1a3f893382d2b2f8a9aa22a654d9c97/2019/06/fad5a9d611327296f10ca4cd19b1f2f5.jpg" alt=""></figure></div>"It's untrue. Detainees of all nationalities are detained in the same block. If anyone is assaulted, other detainees would see. The treatment is the same."However, the Immigration Department will not compromise with misconduct. Complaints must be coupled with evidence, and stern disciplinary action will be taken," Khairul said.Gombak district deputy police chief Arsad Kamaruddin denied bribery claims against its officers.However, Arsad said, he is prepared to meet with the complainant for further investigation."We arrested 95 Africans last June, but did not receive any such complaint (about unreturned money)."If there is, I urge the victim to meet me so that the appropriate action can be taken," Arsad said.

This comes after a PhD student was detained and died in custody five days later.

Nigerians tell of alleged ill-treatment by M'sian authorities

We cannot blame them because they are forced to live in cramped conditions, it says in a Facebook post.

Don't blame migrant workers for Covid-19 spike, says Health Ministry

The former education minister had reportedly been removed as division head yesterday.

Simpang Renggam Bersatu rejects Muhyiddin's pick to replace Maszlee

To this day the government has yet to take proactive measures to save the airline sector, says A Sivanesan

Covid-19: DAP rep urges ministers to tackle plight of airline industry workers

As long the amount is not something we think we can accept, then we continue with the legal case, says finance minister.

Zafrul says Goldman's US$3b not enough to settle 1MDB case

Businesses also want the Covid-19 (Temporary Measures) Bill to be gazetted as soon as possible, fearing it may already be too late for some.

Covid-19 bill wishlist - breathing space, no tenant evictions top concerns

Tengku Zafrul says the goal is to bring the fiscal deficit back to under 4% of the GDP in the next three years or so.

Malaysia to double deficit to fund stimulus, says finance minister

Alcoholics may look for other alternatives such as drugs or cheap (bootleg) liquor, says M Karupaiya.

Alcohol prohibition will turn drinkers to more dangerous alternatives - MP

The aide, Siti Nurul Hidayah Shaziman claimed that she had been threatened and verbally abused.

MACC denies intimidation claims made by Syed Saddiq's aide

Petronas chief financial officer Tengku Muhammad Taufik Tengku Aziz is the oil company's new CEO.

Petronas CEO moved to MAS, PM says to ensure policy and objectives

UPDATED 6.04PM | CORONAVIRUS | The new cases comprise 27 local infections and 8 imported cases.

Covid-19: 37 new infections, 1 new death

Azmin camp strikes another blow on Harapan in numbers game

Mahathir meets Harapan, Warisan leaders but PKR is no show

Dr M says has no problem with Anwar but unsure if feeling is mutual

Johor sultan threatens snap polls if there is another power struggle

I'm not resigning, declares Redzuan... again

Complicated to produce defence that Najib is scam victim - Shafee

Minister moots anti-hopping law to end debate on political coup

Saifuddin aborts directive to grant 5G bands without tender

Authenticity of 'Arab donation' not relevant, key is Najib's belief - defence

Bersatu supreme council affirms 'immediate' termination of Dr M's membership

Slim majority with 'bought MPs' - king can dissolve Parliament, says Najib

We're ready for GE15 - Zahid says after meeting Najib

Deputy works minister quits amid turmoil in Bersatu

S'wak's Lubok Antu MP quits PKR, says will now back PN

Stop using MACC to harass opposition or I will expose gov't's wrongdoings - Dr M

Johor Harapan upholds royal decree as plans to seize back power ripen

Bersatu supreme council meeting tonight, again without Dr M

Meeting with Dr M not official, Harapan still strong - Saifuddin Nasution

Musa Hassan appointed as USIM director two days after GLC tweet

Report: MACC says 'no political motive' behind Bersatu Youth member's arrest

Johor ruler’s power to dissolve assembly not absolute, says MP

Muhyiddin's axe falls on three Bersatu leaders aligned to Dr M

Mahathir alludes to failed attempt to replace Health DG with politician

Johor Bersatu reps meet Muhyiddin after sultan threatens snap polls

COMMENT | Harapan’s comeback window could soon close

Will Redzuan resign? All eyes on 4.30pm presser

Muhyiddin vs Mahathir - Bersatu divisions continue to split

YOURSAY | Truth of Dr M’s role in pullout from Harapan emerges

Record high of 277 new Covid-19 cases, including 6 M'sians

Shahruddin meets Dr M, dodges poser on who he supports

Four Bersatu leaders stage walkout at supreme council meeting

PM unveils short-term economic recovery plan

Out the window with Najib's signature forged claim - prosecution

Bersatu supreme council meeting tonight invalid, claims Kadir Jasin

Salahuddin: I'm firmly with Amanah, PN cybertroopers desperate

Youth exco: Muhyiddin rejected Zahid's offer for Bersatu to join Umno

Maria Chin: Arrest of hospital workers is shameful

Ex-Warisan minister, former deputy appointed Sabah GLC posts

Hair salons, barbers, pasar malam to reopen with strict rules

Guidelines for reopening schools released, only Form Six and Five for now

Abuse of power charge against Najib defective: defence

Watch the FREE Business Bootcamp COV 19 Edition

COMMENT | I can kiss my wife at home but can’t sit next to her in public

LETTER | Take social distancing seriously

LETTER | Why do the Chinese dominate M'sia's top ten richest list?

AirAsia bags region's top low-cost airline award again

No record of Zakir Naik applying for M'sian citizenship - Muhyiddin

Nigerians tell of alleged ill-treatment by M'sian authorities

Share this story

TERMS & CONDITIONS

REPORT VIOLATORS

ABOUT

DIGITAL NETWORK

TERMS OF USE

GENERAL LINE

SUBSCRIPTION / TECH SUPPORT

EDITORIAL

LOCATION

RSS FEEDS

DAILY NEWS DIGEST