Over 4,000 Myanmar nationals to undergo refugee registration, says home ministry

The Malaysian home ministry has announced that 4,008 Myanmar nationals, primarily Rohingya, will undergo refugee registration this year to confirm their identities and immigration and refugee status. Deputy Secretary-General Makhzan Mahyuddin revealed that an additional 5,000 Myanmar nationals will be repatriated voluntarily in phases under a cooperation agreement between the Malaysian and Myanmar governments. These two approaches are being executed concurrently, with eligible individuals returning to their home countries.

The total of 10,388 Myanmar nationals currently detained in Malaysia cannot be treated as a single category, as their individual circumstances and statuses must be determined. Makhzan emphasized that not all of them can be classified as refugees, and a comprehensive process must be applied to accurately ascertain each person's status.

Among the 1,476 Myanmar detainees repatriated in the first phase, 27 were children aged between eight and 60, comprising 1,370 men, 79 women, 20 boys, and seven girls. The detainees originated from 14 immigration depots, with the largest groups coming from Belantik in Kedah and Tanah Merah in Kelantan.

The Myanmar government identified the individuals, and their names were submitted to Malaysia via a diplomatic note dated August 13. The repatriation of the detainees is being conducted with the assistance of vessels from the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency, marine police, and navy, ensuring security measures are in place. Approximately 850 officers and personnel from various agencies are participating in the operation.