Chapter 2 - Report of the Complaints, Monitoring and Inquiries Group Table 3: Visits to Detention Centres, 2013 PLACES OF DETENTION PERIODIC VISITS CASE-BASED VISITS Prisons 8 4 Immigration detention centres 6 2 Police lock-ups 8 2 TOTAL 22 8 The Commission carries out periodic visits to monitor the physical state of a detention centre, its facilities, rehabilitation programmes, treatment, diet and healthcare provisions and the wellbeing of personnel. Case-based visits are carried out when complaints are received, and focus on issues brought to the Commission’s attention. The Commission’s Recommendations The situation in detention centres generally met the minimum standards. However, there is room for improvement. 1. Healthcare and treatment for sick prisoners/detainees The Commission observed that prisons, especially old ones, are not sufficiently equipped with facilities or resources to cater to the minimum needs and healthcare of detainees. While there is a post for a medical assistant at Immigration detention centres, it has not been filled. The Commission believes that there should be at least one medical personnel at any detention centre as this will not only be beneficial to detainees, but also to staff. The Commission is aware of a shortage of basic medicines because several detention centres are overcrowded. The Commission received several complaints that ill detainees did not receive proper treatment. It was further told that there is no special diet for detainees/prisoners with diabetes and the only option is to replace the rice with white bread. The Commission feels that the detainees/prisoners need to be examined by the medical officer, who should then advise the administrator on the provision of appropriate meals. The administrator should also seek guidance from the Ministry of Health on the right nutrition or diet for sick detainees/prisoners. 2. 50 Budget allocation for meals The Commission has found that the budget allocation for meals varies from one detention centre to another and that, at times, the amount appears to be too low. For example, one Immigration detention centre only had a budget of RM4.50 per person per day – which worked out to RM0.70 for breakfast, RM1.90 for lunch and RM1.90 for dinner. The Commission was informed that the tender for supply of meals is awarded by the Home Ministry. The Commission hopes that this allocation will be revised from time to time.