1,000 Myanmar refugees identified for repatriation can be sent back, says Tok Mat

Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan has confirmed that one thousand Myanmar refugees have been identified for repatriation back to their home country, according to Bernama news agency. The foreign minister, also known as Tok Mat, has instructed his ministry's secretary-general to coordinate with the Myanmar government regarding the gradual repatriation process.

Mohamad responded to reports suggesting the Myanmar government was willing to accept the return of five thousand of its nationals via ship, stating that Malaysia would prioritize those already selected. He clarified that there was no need to wait for the full five thousand, as the one thousand refugees identified for repatriation could be sent back immediately.

The minister emphasized the importance of cooperation between the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and Malaysia's home ministry to verify the refugees' status and evaluate the security conditions they would encounter upon their return. Government spokesman Fahmi Fadzil had earlier indicated that Malaysia would not repatriate the refugees unless they faced persecution or life-threatening risks in Myanmar.