CORONAVIRUS | The Malaysian Bar has urged the government to allow all migrants and refugees access to free screening and treatment for Covid-19 without fear of arrest and detention.

In a media statement issued this afternoon, its president Salim Bashir (above) said this following the government’s call to all foreign attendees of the Sri Petaling tabligh gathering to volunteer themselves to be screened without fear of arrest.

“We urge the government to take a proactive humanitarian stand and allow all migrants, refugees and asylum-seekers, regardless of their status, access to free screening and treatment for Covid-19 without the fear of arrest and detention...

“During these challenging times, it is imperative that the government extends compassion towards migrants and refugees which represent one of the most vulnerable groups of people in the country.