This follows reports of mass government crackdowns against these communities, especially undocumented migrants, triggering criticism from many opposition MPs as well as human rights and civil society groups.

Aside from this, photographs of enforcement authorities spraying down the migrants who were detained with disinfectant has also caused public backlash.

In a statement this evening, Mohamad said even though laws needed to be enforced strictly, this must be done with compassion and humanity.

“Every migrant in Malaysia must be regulated and have valid documents. We must keep in mind that they need to be treated with fundamental rights regardless if they are legal or not,” he added.

Mohamad, who is more commonly known as Tok Mat, said that the country’s immigration policy should not go against international laws and basic human rights.

“The national vaccination targets will not be achieved without vaccinating migrants as well,” he said, alluding that they would not come out to get their vaccinations out of fear for the authorities.

Meanwhile, he also called for reforms to the immigration system, adding that the government has not managed to overcome the problem of undocumented migrants or those who overstay their permits.

Recently, home minister Hamzah Zainudin said the increased raids against undocumented migrants would actually help them get vaccinated, as they would not voluntarily come out to do so.

“By doing enforcement, we can rope in employers and embassies to verify and issue identification papers so that they can register for vaccination and get themselves documented as well,” Hamzah was reported to have said.