Home Ministry: 1,476 Myanmar nationals leave Malaysia in first ‘voluntary’ repatriation phase

PUTRAJAYA, Sept 29 — The Home Ministry (KDN) reported that 1,476 Myanmar nationals embarked on a voluntary repatriation journey from Malaysia today. This marks the initial phase of a prolonged effort to address the longstanding issue of undocumented migrants from Myanmar. The operation utilized naval vessels and a hospital ship operated by Myanmar, with the KDN, Immigration Department of Malaysia (JIM), and security agencies working together.

Human rights groups have raised concerns about the repatriation process, but the ministry stressed that it is being carried out in a phased, consent-based manner, following a bilateral agreement with Myanmar for the returnees. As of August 15, 10,388 Myanmar nationals were being screened and assessed across Immigration detention centers nationwide.

Out of this group, 5,000 were chosen for the voluntary repatriation program. These individuals were selected based on an official submission from Myanmar and their voluntary agreement to return. The KDN highlighted the decades-old problem of displaced Myanmar nationals, which has burdened public infrastructure, caused socio-economic strain, and raised national security issues.

Despite not being a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention, Malaysia's approach aligns with compassion and regional solidarity. The ministry emphasized that subsequent repatriation phases will follow the same rigorous verification and coordination procedures between Malaysia and Myanmar.