KUALA LUMPUR, April 27: Malaysia will not build new detention camps for illegal immigrants to ease overcrowding, but plans to tighten border security to keep them from entering the country, a news report said on Sunday.

Human rights activists have renewed criticism about cramped conditions at 17 prisons where some 10,000 illegal immigrants are held while awaiting deportation, after some 60 detainees at a southern centre rioted and set fire to a building last week.

Officials said tensions boiled over partly because 1,090 detainees were held in a centre that was not equipped to hold so many people. The rioters were from neighbouring countries including Myanmar, Indonesia, Vietnam and Cambodia.

But Home Minister Syed Hamid Albar said the solution to overcrowding is stricter border controls — not more detention centres, the New Straits Times newspaper reported on Sunday.—AP

Opinion

Editorial

China security ties
Updated 14 Nov, 2024

China security ties

If China's security concerns aren't addressed satisfactorily, it may affect bilateral ties. CT cooperation should be pursued instead of having foreign forces here.
Steep price
14 Nov, 2024

Steep price

THE Hindu Kush-Himalayan region is in big trouble. A new study unveiled at the ongoing COP29 reveals that if high...
A high-cost plan
14 Nov, 2024

A high-cost plan

THE government has approved an expensive plan for FBR in the hope of tackling its deep-seated inefficiencies. The...
United stance
Updated 13 Nov, 2024

United stance

It would've been better if the OIC-Arab League summit had announced practical measures to punish Israel.
Unscheduled visit
13 Nov, 2024

Unscheduled visit

Unusual IMF visit shows the lender will closely watch implementation of programme goals to prevent it from derailing.
Bara’s businesswomen
13 Nov, 2024

Bara’s businesswomen

Bara’s brave women have proven that with the right support, societal barriers can be overcome.