Home minister: Immigration depots facing capacity pressure amid daily enforcement operations

Machang, Oct 17 — Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail has revealed that immigration depots throughout Malaysia are experiencing capacity issues due to daily enforcement operations targeting undocumented migrants. The depots have a combined capacity of around 20,000 individuals, yet ongoing arrivals of detainees have led to overcrowding.

The surge in detainees is attributed to the Immigration Department's mapping of regions with high concentrations of foreign nationals, based on data collected from nationwide enforcement operations. Saifuddin emphasized that the mapping process helps authorities pinpoint areas frequently utilized by foreign nationals as settlements or gathering spots.

Detainees may include those lacking travel documents, holders of expired passes, individuals who have misused their passes, or those with refugee status. Speaking at a press conference following the 2026 Madani Adopted Village and Madani Adopted School launch ceremony, Saifuddin also mentioned that action against each category should consider the individuals' legal status and position.

Enforcement operations involve multiple agencies and local authorities. Additionally, the four states of Perlis, Kedah, Kelantan, and Terengganu have been identified as having drug-related case rates exceeding the national average, according to figures per 100,000 population. Pendang in Kedah and Kuala Krai in Kedah recorded the highest rates, while Tumpat, Tanah Merah, Bachok in Kelantan, and Besut in Terengganu also exceeded the threshold of 1,000 cases per 100,000 population.

Saifuddin stressed that collaboration between the Home Ministry, National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK), police, and state governments is essential to intensify awareness and prevention programs in these areas, including community outreach initiatives to educate the public about the dangers of drug abuse.