1,476 Myanmar detainees sent home in first phase of repatriation programme
LUMUT: Malaysia today launched the first phase of a repatriation programme involving 1,476 Myanmar detainees, who are being sent home aboard three Myanmar naval vessels, including a hospital ship.
Malaysia initiated the first phase of a repatriation programme for 1,476 Myanmar detainees, transporting them aboard three naval ships, including a hospital vessel, from Lumut Naval Base. Deputy Secretary-General Datuk Makhzan Mahyuddin disclosed that the detainees, aged between 8 and 60, consisted of 1,370 men, 79 women, 20 boys, and seven girls, originating from 14 immigration depots with the biggest groups from Belantik in Kedah and Tanah Merah in Kelantan.
The individuals' names were submitted to Malaysia via a diplomatic note dated Aug 13, 2026, after being identified by Myanmar's government. Coordination among the Home Ministry, Foreign Ministry, National Security Council, and Defence Ministry took place to address operational and logistical needs. Security was ensured by Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency, Marine Police, and Royal Malaysian Navy vessels escorting the naval and hospital ships.
The Immigration Department led the operation, managing identity verification, documentation, inter-agency coordination, security, and logistics. The programme is a voluntary, safe, and responsible initiative to manage foreign nationals and immigration detainees more effectively, with a review of the first phase to be conducted before proceeding to subsequent phases involving a total of 5,000 Myanmar nationals.
The detainees underwent final health checks, identity verification, and documentation at Manjung District Stadium before being transported to the naval base.
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