Home minister: Government resolving persistent refugee problem according to rule of law

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 29 — The Madani Government is determined to resolve the issue of foreign refugee presence in Malaysia, following a systematic and staged approach based on the Constitution and the rule of law, stated Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail. A total of 5,000 Myanmar refugees have been selected for a voluntary and phased repatriation program, contingent upon the Myanmar government's agreement to accept them and the individuals' voluntary consent to return.

"Today, 1,476 individuals commenced the First Phase of repatriation, based on the list submitted by the Myanmar Government through an official Diplomatic Note," Saifuddin said in a statement. The task force comprising the Ministry of Home Affairs, Malaysian Immigration Department, and relevant agencies, carried out the implementation, negotiated with the Myanmar Government, and utilized diplomatic channels.

Saifuddin emphasized that foreign refugees, particularly from Myanmar, have been a long-standing issue, resulting in financial burdens, social crises, and security threats. He highlighted that resolving issues between two nations requires cooperation from the origin country to facilitate orderly and phased repatriation. Although Malaysia is not a signatory to the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees, the government employs a compassionate yet civilised approach anchored in ASEAN values, ensuring every step is executed responsibly without compromising national security and sovereignty.

The First Phase of repatriation, involving 1,476 Myanmar refugee detainees - consisting of 1,370 men, 79 women, and 27 children - was conducted at the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) Base in Lumut, Perak, using Myanmar Navy ships such as UMS Moattama, escort vessel UMS King Sin Phyu Shin, and medical ship UMS Thanlwin.