Unfair to 'overplay' Kimanis immigration detainees' call for help: Home minister

Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail claimed today that several detainees at Kimanis Immigration Depot, who reportedly appealed for help, had entered the facility in an unhealthy physical state.

During a press conference at the Immigration Department headquarters in Putrajaya, Saifuddin (above) said it would be unfair for quarters to play up the issue without considering several factors.

"I was briefed by the Immigration Department on this case. Sometimes, it is not fair if we 'overplay' the issue.

"Firstly we look at the subject involved, is he an ordinary person who practised a healthy lifestyle (or) see if he is also involved in unhealthy activities that caused his skinny physique.

"The weight loss was not because of his detention. That happened before entering the depot,” he said.

"It was not caused from the moment he was placed in detention," the minister added.

Video appeal

Saifuddin was responding to media reports yesterday based on a 90-second video clip posted on Facebook where a man who identified himself as a detainee at Kimanis Immigration Depot, made an appeal for himself and others for their release.

The appeal was made to Sabah Chief Minister Hajiji Noor and state immigration director Sh Sitti Saleha Habib Yusoff.

New Straits Times reported that the man said he has been in detention for a year and others for two or three years, with inadequate food and medicine, leading to their emaciated state.

The video clip also reportedly showed several photos of men whose faces were blurred but with protruding collar bones and ribs.

Asked whether he would order the Immigration Department to check on conditions at Kimanis depot and others, Saifuddin insisted it has been an ongoing process.

"That means the presence of this department is not only here in an air-conditioned room.

"They are committed to their duties and will be there when needed," he added.

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