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.