Probe into detention camp deaths urged

Probe into detention camp deaths urged

SEMENYIH, Malaysia (AFP): Malaysia's opposition leader yesterday demanded an inquiry into more than 40 deaths at a detention camp housing mainly Bangladeshi and Indonesian illegal immigrants.

Saying conditions were "not ideal," Lim Kit Siang charged that the deaths in recent months -- from tropical diseases stemming from malnutrition -- could have been prevented with proper medical treatment.

"There should be no cause for death if there was adequate care," Lim told reporters after visiting the restricted area following charges by the Tenaganita group of torture and mistreatment.

Lim also called for more food rations for 1,509 inmates in the camp, of whom 903 are Indonesian, 417 Bangladeshi and the rest mainly Myanmarese.