1,133 Bangladeshis Among 22,166 Migrants Held in Malaysia

A total of 22,166 undocumented migrants, including 1,133 Bangladeshi nationals, were being held at immigration detention facilities across Malaysia as of June 30, according to the Malaysian Home Ministry.

At the same time, the Bangladesh High Commission in Kuala Lumpur has intensified efforts to ensure the welfare of Bangladeshi detainees by engaging with Malaysian authorities and raising concerns related to their treatment and access to basic services.

In a written parliamentary reply, Malaysian Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the detainees were being held at 20 Immigration Detention Centres and two Immigration Depots nationwide.

Of the total detainees, 17,872 (81 percent) were men and 4,294 (19 percent) were women. The figure has increased from 17,896 detainees recorded in July 2025.

Myanmar nationals formed the largest group with 11,194 detainees, followed by 5,200 Filipinos, 3,247 Indonesians, and 1,133 Bangladeshis. Other detainees included nationals from Thailand, India, Pakistan, China, Vietnam, Nepal, Cambodia and several other countries.

The minister said 11,884 detainees had been held for three months or less, while others had remained in detention for longer periods. Around 5,035 migrants had been detained for one to five years, while some had spent more than six years in immigration facilities.

He also said 356 undocumented migrant children and their female guardians are currently staying at seven Baitul Mahabbah care centres across Malaysia.

Meanwhile, the Bangladesh High Commission held a meeting with the Malaysian Prison Department on July 22 to discuss the welfare of Bangladeshi citizens serving time in Malaysian prisons.

The Bangladeshi delegation was led by Minister (Labour) Siddiqur Rahman, while the Malaysian delegation was headed by Deputy Commissioner General of Prisons Hafidz bin Othman along with senior prison officials.

During the meeting, both sides discussed issues including humanitarian support, consular access, communication with families, healthcare facilities and other welfare concerns of Bangladeshi prisoners.

The High Commission presented several proposals aimed at improving the living conditions of Bangladeshi inmates. Malaysian prison authorities assured the delegation that the concerns would be reviewed and that they would cooperate to enhance prisoner welfare.

The Bangladesh High Commission said it continues to maintain regular coordination with Malaysian authorities to protect the rights and welfare of Bangladeshi nationals living in the country.