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More than 22,000 undocumented migrants, including 1,133 Bangladeshi nationals, were being held in immigration detention facilities across Malaysia as of June 30, according to the country’s Home Ministry, while the Bangladesh High Commission in Kuala Lumpur has intensified efforts to improve the welfare of Bangladeshi detainees through direct engagement with Malaysian prison authorities.
In a written reply to the Malaysian Parliament, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said 22,166 undocumented migrants were being held in 20 Immigration Detention Centres and two Immigration Depots nationwide.
Of the total detainees, 17,872 (81%) were men and 4,294 (19%) were women. The figure represents a significant increase from 17,896 detainees recorded on July 6, 2025.
According to the ministry, Myanmar nationals accounted for the largest number of detainees at 11,194, followed by 5,200 Filipinos, 3,247 Indonesians, and 1,133 Bangladeshis. Other detainees included 277 Thais, 250 Indians, 193 Pakistanis, 174 Chinese, 85 Vietnamese, 76 Nepalese, 49 Cambodians, and 288 nationals from other countries.
The minister also disclosed that 11,884 migrants had been detained for three months or less, while 2,891 had remained in custody for four to six months, 1,492 for seven to nine months, and 855 for 10 to 11 months.
A further 5,035 migrants had been held for between one and five years, while eight had remained in immigration detention for six to ten years. One individual has reportedly been detained for at least 11 years.
In addition, the Home Ministry said 356 undocumented migrant children and their female guardians are currently being accommodated at seven Baitul Mahabbah care centres across Malaysia.
The information was provided in response to a parliamentary question from Subang MP Wong Chen, who sought details on the number, nationality, gender and duration of detention of undocumented migrants. Bangladesh High Commission raises welfare issues
Meanwhile, the Bangladesh High Commission in Kuala Lumpur held a scheduled meeting with the Malaysian Prison Department on July 22 to discuss the welfare of Bangladeshi nationals serving prison sentences in the country.
The Bangladeshi delegation was led by Minister (Labour) Siddiqur Rahman, while the Malaysian side was headed by Deputy Commissioner General of Prisons Hafidz bin Othman, accompanied by senior prison officials.
The discussions focused on the overall condition of Bangladeshi prisoners, including humanitarian assistance, healthcare, consular access, communication with family members and other welfare-related matters.
During the meeting, the Bangladesh High Commission presented several proposals aimed at improving the living conditions and overall well-being of Bangladeshi inmates, while highlighting practical challenges they face in Malaysian correctional facilities.
Malaysian prison officials assured the delegation that the issues raised would receive due consideration and pledged to continue close cooperation with the Bangladesh High Commission to implement measures that could enhance the welfare of Bangladeshi prisoners wherever possible.
The High Commission said it maintains regular coordination with the relevant Malaysian authorities to safeguard the rights and welfare of Bangladeshi nationals living and working in Malaysia.
Officials said the latest meeting forms part of the mission’s broader efforts to strengthen consular support and ensure that Bangladeshi citizens detained in Malaysia receive appropriate assistance in accordance with local laws and international humanitarian standards.
Diplomatic sources believe continued engagement between the two sides will further strengthen bilateral cooperation, facilitate the resolution of issues affecting Bangladeshi prisoners, and improve the delivery of consular services for Bangladeshi nationals in Malaysia.
