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The government spends an estimated RM89 million annually to provide food for 16,412 undocumented migrants held in Immigration Department detention depots across the country
This cost covers only meals, approximately RM15 per person a day, and excludes other expenses such as electricity, medical treatment, and hospital visits.
Speaking to Utusan Malaysia, Immigration Department director-general Datuk Zakaria Shaaban said that, as of 30 April, a total of 16,412 undocumented migrants are housed in 18 main detention depots, two temporary depots, and six Baitul Mahabbah facilities nationwide.
The majority of detainees are from Myanmar, Indonesia, the Philippines, Bangladesh, and Thailand.
"At present, the government is spending RM15 per day to provide meals and drinks for each detainee at the depots. This rate also applies to those housed at temporary depots and Baitul Mahabbah centres.
"Annually, this amounts to more than RM89 million in meal costs alone. This figure excludes other expenditures, such as medical treatment, medication, electricity, and operational needs," he said.
Immigration Department director-general Datuk Zakaria Shaaban.
Image via Faiz Alif Zubir/Utusan Malaysia
Zakaria emphasised that the total expenditure can vary, depending on the number of detainees entering and leaving the facilities at any given time
The current detention system has a total capacity of 21,530 individuals, spread across Immigration depots (19,750), Baitul Mahabbah (380), and temporary facilities (1,400).
With current occupancy at 16,412, he stated that there are no overcrowding issues.
The department manages regular deportations, with an average of 4,000 to 4,400 undocumented migrants sent back to their home countries each month.
Zakaria added that key performance indicators (KPIs) and standard operating procedures (SOPs) are in place to ensure that no individual is detained for more than three months.
However, he acknowledged that some cases exceed this duration due to documentation and logistical challenges.
While deportation incurs additional costs, it ultimately reduces the financial burden of housing and feeding long-term detainees.
