The End Detention Network (EDN) said such an initiative is possible with cooperation from child protection organisations who are able to provide case management support and linkage to the refugee communities.

It said that despite some efforts to improve conditions, these centres continue to deprive children of their liberty, are governed by strict immigration rules and, therefore, constitute another form of detention.

“There are no alternative exit plans for children in Baitul Mahabbah aside from repatriation. Some refugee children have remained in Baitul Mahabbah facilities for nearly a year, with no plans for their release,” it said in a statement.

EDN said there has been no evaluation of any kind to determine whether these Baitul Mahabbah centres are actually beneficial to children’s wellbeing, and if they are an efficient use of resources.

“Yet, in August, the home minister stated his intention to have six Baitul Mahabbah centres open by December, and to establish at least six more in 2025,” it said.

It called on the home ministry to set up a working group with key civil society members to develop and trial a pilot programme in releasing children from Baitul Mahabbah into community settings and to conduct an independent evaluation of the centres.

“Globally, many countries have taken these necessary steps, and moved away from thinking around ‘child-friendly’ or ‘family-friendly’ detention facilities and towards ending child immigration detention altogether.

“This is the standard Malaysia must emulate to keep up and lead with its regional and global peers,” it said.

EDN also called for cooperation between the women, family and community development ministry and the home ministry, in efforts to protect the rights of children under the law regardless of their background and immigration status.

In July, Bernama reported that there were 170 children in Baitul Mahabbah centres nationwide.

Today marks the one-year anniversary of the establishment of these centres.