Malaysia Refutes UNHCR Claims of Blocked Access to Immigration Depots, Says Home Minister Saifuddin

PUTRAJAYA, Dec 11: Malaysia has firmly denied allegations by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) that the country has been preventing the agency from accessing its immigration detention depots.

Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said today that Malaysia had never refused any request from UNHCR, clarifying that only two visit requests were received this year.

“UNHCR, as reported by The New York Times, alleged that Malaysia is not allowing access to immigration depots. But as far as we know, we only received two letters this year requesting permission,” he said during the Home Ministry’s monthly assembly.

“But they told the world that we blocked or refused access. This perception must be corrected,” he added.

The New York Times report quoted UNHCR as saying that it had been barred from visiting detention depots since 2019, which hindered its capacity to identify refugees and assess conditions. Saifuddin previously stated in March that the ministry was ready to grant UNHCR access, but visits must follow proper procedures.

Saifuddin also addressed a recent viral case involving a woman allegedly denied entry to the Melaka police headquarters due to her attire. He stressed that while modest dress guidelines exist, police must accept reports under any circumstances.

“It is the duty of the police to receive reports … Regardless of the situation, they must take the report. The dress code circular is merely a guideline,” he said.

The woman, whose skirt was reportedly above knee length, was prevented from entering the premises despite being involved in a road accident while travelling back to Johor.

Chief Secretary Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar confirmed yesterday that the government has relaxed dress code requirements during emergencies and exceptional situations to ensure uninterrupted public access to essential services.

This policy considers the needs of frontline services such as security and healthcare, emphasizing that the public’s right to immediate assistance should not be restricted.

With rising public concerns over detention conditions and the recent debate surrounding dress code enforcement, the Home Ministry’s clarifications aim to restore confidence in government procedures and maintain transparency in public service delivery.