KOTA KINABALU, July 26 — The Sabah Immigration Department has strongly refuted viral online claims alleging that multiple Filipino detainees have died due to severe overcrowding at the state’s immigration detention depots.

State Immigration Director Datuk SH Sitti Saleha Habib Yussof dismissed the allegations as completely false, baseless, and misleading, clarifying that an image circulating on social media was not taken at any immigration facility in Sabah.

“All Filipino detainees housed at the Immigration detention depots in Sabah are in good condition while awaiting repatriation to their home country,” Sitti Saleha said in an official statement today.

She stated that throughout their period of detention, all detainees receive proper care and protection compliant with national laws and established standard operating procedures. Basic necessities, including meals prepared according to Health Ministry-approved nutritional guidelines for adults and children, as well as necessary medical treatment, are provided consistently.

Addressing ongoing deportation efforts, Sitti Saleha explained that the primary sea repatriation route from Sandakan to Zamboanga has been suspended by Philippine authorities since February, creating operational hurdles for returning detainees.

“To ensure that repatriation continues, Sabah Immigration Department is using alternative routes, namely flights from Kota Kinabalu to Manila and sea transport from Lahad Datu to Bongao,” she said.

“However, repatriation through these alternative routes is subject to the detainees’ families agreeing to bear the travel costs,” she added.

Sitti Saleha reiterated the department’s commitment to ensuring the health, safety, and welfare of all detainees while conducting lawful deportations in close coordination with Philippine officials. She urged members of the public to refrain from circulating unverified media or claims and to seek information strictly through official government channels.

-NMT