Migrant Deaths Surge in Malaysian Custody

Over 300 migrants without legal status have died in Malaysian custody since 2020, prompting serious concern from human rights advocates regarding detention conditions and the treatment of vulnerable individuals. Recent cases, such as that of Ben Za Min, a refugee from Myanmar's Chin state, underscore fears that detainees are not receiving adequate medical attention, with his family suspecting his death from an infected leg wound was due to neglect.

Malaysia has escalated its immigration enforcement, declaring 2025 the 'Year of Enforcement' and increasing raids on migrant communities and workplaces. This heightened crackdown means approximately 7,000 migrants are arrested monthly. While Malaysia does not officially recognize political asylum, undocumented individuals can work if registered with UNHCR, though even some registered refugees have reportedly been detained.

Human rights groups are raising serious concerns about the prolonged detention periods in overcrowded facilities characterized by poor sanitation, limited food, and insufficient medical care. Many detainees are Rohingya Muslims fleeing persecution, who face indefinite detention due to statelessness. While the Malaysian immigration department denies mistreatment, citing facilities operating at 90% capacity, access for UNHCR to detention centers has been restricted since 2019.