The Home Ministry has identified a location in Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, to set up its first alternative detention centre for children who are in immigration custody, with 80 of them expected to be moved there soon.
Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the centre is a follow-up to his personal commitment to solving the issue.
He had first announced his commitment six months ago and once again after visiting the Semenyih immigration depot.
"This will be the start of our ongoing efforts to remove the children from immigration depots so they can receive more humane care, in a more conducive environment than the current settings.
"We will finalise this really soon, involving the first group of 80 children," Saifuddin (above, centre) told a press conference at the Home Ministry today.
"We're just left with simple logistical aspects such as bringing in beds, supplying electricity and water, and several other improvements," he said, adding that the initiative will only involve a minor cost increase and no added personnel.
Guardians to follow
Saifuddin explained the children who will be placed there comprise those detained with or without their guardians.
For those detained with one or both parents, he said all of them will be moved out together to the new location.
"The final aim is for them to be returned to their countries.
"The length of their stay will depend on how fast we can identify their country of origin and inform them (embassies) to issue travel documents.
"In the meantime, the children will be in our care," the minister added.
Asked whether the alternative centre would introduce education opportunities for children, Saifuddin said the ministry has engaged with relevant NGOs with interest in the area.
In April, Saifuddin said there were at the time 1,030 children in immigration custody - 579 boys and 451 girls - of which the majority or 679 children were unaccompanied by an adult. - Mkini
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