JOHOR BARU, MALAYSIA - Immigration detention centres in the country must observe better health standards to ensure they do not become a breeding ground for viruses, a Suhakam commissioner said.

Suhakam commissioner Datuk N. Siva Subramaniam raised the seriousness of the matter, saying that about 1,300 detainees had died in six years from infection.

This means an average of 18 people die at the nation's 22 centres each month.

"Many of them die because of tuberculosis and chikungunya," Siva said after visiting the Pekan Nenas centre here yesterday, adding that there were also skin diseases.

He added that if these inmates did not undergo proper medical checks, they might spread diseases locally.

"Deaths in custody is a serious matter and vigilant health checks need to be conducted not only for inmates at these facilities but for officers who work around them," he said.

So far, no immunisation jabs were provided for immigration officers and those working in the immigration department, he said.

"Officers working closely with illegal immigrants have also not been given medical inspections.

"We should not put their health at risk," he said.

He also said that the process of deporting illegal immigrants should be speeded up as this could reduce the spread of diseases within the facility.

"We have even received reports that some foreigners waited almost two years to be deported."

--The Star/ANN