Malaysia to prioritise safety of Myanmar refugees before repatriation

SEREMBAN: Malaysia has announced it will prioritize the safety and well-being of Myanmar refugees before any repatriation to their homeland, according to Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan. The Foreign Minister emphasized the importance of collaboration between the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the Home Ministry in verifying the refugees' status and evaluating the security situation they would encounter upon their return.

Hasan stated that he has instructed the Secretary-General of the Foreign Affairs Ministry to coordinate with the Myanmar government via its embassy, with the aim of repatriating the refugees gradually. When asked about media reports suggesting the Myanmar government planned to repatriate 5,000 of its citizens in Malaysia via ship, Hasan clarified that Malaysia is prepared to proceed in stages, with priority given to those whose status has been verified.

He clarified that there is no need to wait for the full 5,000 individuals; the 1,000 already identified for repatriation can be returned immediately. Hasan also noted that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) views the issue of Myanmar refugees with seriousness and that addressing this crisis requires a collective approach from Asean member states.

Moreover, he stressed that the Five-Point Consensus (5PC) should remain at the forefront of Asean's strategy in dealing with the situation in Myanmar.