Immigration Dept denies social media claim that Myanmar teen was repatriated, says she remains in detention

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 30 — The Malaysian Immigration Department has dismissed a claim that a teenage girl from Myanmar was repatriated alongside other Myanmar nationals on September 29. According to Immigration Director-General Datuk Zakaria Shaaban, the department's checks revealed that the teenager was not part of the repatriation program.

The department confirmed that the girl remains detained at an immigration depot and was not involved in the repatriation process involving Myanmar naval vessels. The clarification came in response to a viral social media post alleging the girl's repatriation, though the department did not disclose the account responsible for the post or provide additional details about the individual.

Malaysia commenced repatriating 1,476 Myanmar detainees from 14 immigration depots, including 1,370 men, 79 women, 20 boys, and seven girls, on the same day. Zakaria acknowledged public concerns over the safety and welfare of detainees, stating that humanitarian considerations were taken into account when enforcing immigration laws and procedures.

The department emphasized that immigration depots are managed in accordance with the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners and relevant domestic regulations. The department cautioned the public against spreading unverified information that could lead to confusion regarding its actions and processes.