Myanmar nationals formed the majority of detainees at 11,194, followed by citizens of the Philippines (5,200), Indonesia (3,247), Bangladesh (1,133), Thailand (277), India (250) and Pakistan (193). (File pic)
PETALING JAYA: A total of 22,166 undocumented migrants were being held at 20 immigration detention centres nationwide including two immigration depots as of June 30, says home minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
Saifuddin said the majority – 17,872 or 81% – were men, while the rest – 4,294 or 19% – were women.
This is a significant increase from a year ago when 17,896 migrants were under detention as of July 6, 2025.
In a written parliamentary reply, Saifuddin said Myanmar nationals formed the majority of the detainees at 11,194, followed by citizens of the Philippines (5,200), Indonesia (3,247), Bangladesh (1,133), Thailand (277), India (250) and Pakistan (193).
There were also 174 Chinese nationals, 85 from Vietnam, 76 from Nepal, 49 from Cambodia and 288 from several other nations.
Saifuddin said 11,884 detainees had been in detention for three months or less; 5,035 for one to five years; 2,891 for four to six months; 1,492 for seven to nine months; and 855 for 10 to 11 months.
Eight detainees have been at the detention centres for six to 10 years, while one has been held for at least 11 years.
Saifuddin also said that 356 undocumented migrant children and female caregivers were being held at seven “Baitul Mahabbah” (care centres) across the country.
The minister was replying to Wong Chen (PH-Subang), who asked for the breakdown of detainees at immigration depots based on age, gender, nationality and duration of detention.