PUTRAJAYA, Aug 22 — Some 80 foreign children currently detained at immigration depots will be relocated to a care centre via a pilot project, said Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
He said the location for the centre has been identified and work is ongoing, with logistical tasks such as water and electricity supply remaining.
“The children are currently in Semenyih, Bukit Jalil, and Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) temporary detention depots,” he told a press conference after attending the ministry’s monthly assembly here today.
“They will be relocated along with their guardians or parents,” he said, adding that the initiative is being carried out under the Immigration Department and People’s Volunteer Corps (Rela).
“The project does not require any additional personnel as it will be managed by existing officers. We hope to receive support from civil society groups,” he said, welcoming the involvement of non-governmental organisations, especially the education sector.
In his speech, Saifuddin called on the Immigration Department to get high-capacity passport printers to alleviate congestion at issuing offices.
“Only about 400 passports are issued daily, and it is hoped this number can be increased to 1,000 per day.”
— Bernama
