PUTRAJAYA must conduct a full and transparent investigation into the deaths of six Rohingya detainees at the Relau temporary immigration depot in Bandar Baharu, Kedah this morning, Amnesty International said today.

Its executive director Katrina Jorene Maliamauv also called for an independent investigation to be conducted by Malaysian Human Rights Commission for possible human rights violations.

“The government must provide complete transparency and thoroughly investigate the shocking events of this morning, including the desperate circumstances within the immigration detention centre that led to detainees’ attempt to escape, resulting in the loss of six lives,” she said in a statement.

Maliamauv said the conditions of the detention centres must be looked into in order to make systemic changes and to prevent more deaths.

She also urged the government to look into its policy of detaining migrants indefinitely, which is the main cause of overcrowding.

“The traumatising effects of even short periods of time, let alone indefinite detention, are well known. The government therefore needs to answer not only on the deaths of the six individuals but also why so many refugees, including children, are being detained.

“More tragic events could follow if the government does not address the inhumane conditions at detention centres, revise its policy of detention of individuals for immigration reasons, and grant them freedom of movement pending their asylum applications.”

Six Rohingya detainees were killed when they broke out from an immigration detention centre early this morning.

They were among 528 Rohingya detainees who made their getaway at 4.30am after breaking down a door and a grill barrier.

Penang police chief Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain said six of the escapees were killed in a road accident while trying to flee.

Kedah police chief Wan Hassan Wan Ahmad said police have set up a special investigation team to probe the riot and escape of the detainees.

Kedah and Penang police have also mounted a joint operation, codenamed Ops Cantas, to track down the escapees.

“Thirteen roadblocks have been mounted in Kulim, Bandar Baharu and Seberang Perai Selatan in Penang,” he added. – April 20, 2022.