The Sabah Immigration Department has denied recent social media allegations that numerous Filipino detainees died from overcrowding at detention depots in Sabah. State Immigration director Datuk SH Sitti Saleha Habib Yussof said the viral photo linked to the claims was not taken at any Sabah immigration detention facility, asserting that "the pictures circulating on social media do not refer to any immigration detention depot under the supervision of JIM Sabah" [1, 2, 3].

Datuk SH Sitti Saleha Habib Yussof stated that all Filipino detainees currently detained in Sabah are in good health while awaiting repatriation to the Philippines. She emphasized that detainees receive appropriate care and protection according to laws and standard operating procedures, including meals that meet the Health Ministry’s nutritional standards for both adults and children. Medical treatment and other essential needs are provided when necessary, ensuring detainees’ welfare, safety, and health are safeguarded [1, 2, 3].

The usual sea repatriation route from Sandakan to Zamboanga has been suspended by Philippine authorities since February 2026. To maintain repatriation efforts, Sabah Immigration is utilizing alternative routes such as flights from Kota Kinabalu to Manila and sea transport from Lahad Datu to Bongao. Datuk SH Sitti Saleha Habib Yussof explained, "To ensure that repatriation continues, the Sabah Immigration Department is using alternative routes, namely flights from Kota Kinabalu to Manila and sea transport from Lahad Datu to Bongao" [1].

These alternative repatriation options require that detainees’ families agree to bear travel costs. The Sabah Immigration Department also affirmed its commitment to conducting repatriations legally and in cooperation with Philippine authorities [1, 2, 3].

The department advised the public not to share or believe unverified or misleading information, photos, or claims regarding detainees. The denial came publicly on July 26, 2026, when the director addressed the viral allegations and confirmed detainees’ wellbeing [2, 3].