Govt to ensure orderly, lawful Myanmar refugee repatriation, says Fahmi

Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil has affirmed that repatriation of Myanmar refugees will be conducted in a orderly, lawful and responsible manner, according to a statement released on Facebook. The matter was discussed during a meeting between Fahmi and the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) today, with the objective of exchanging views and obtaining feedback on refugee management issues.

"Among the matters discussed was the repatriation of Myanmar refugees to their home country, including implementation procedures and the security aspects, as well as humanitarian matters that Suhakam requested to be given attention," Fahmi stated. The meeting, attended by Suhakam chairman Hishamudin Yunus and his team, was deemed crucial for the government to listen to diverse perspectives, particularly from a humanitarian standpoint, when addressing refugee concerns.

Malaysia commenced the first phase of a repatriation program involving approximately 1,500 Myanmar nationals on September 29, as part of the government's plan to repatriate a total of 5,000 individuals who have voluntarily chosen to return from detention centers.