Malaysia to continue repatriating Myanmar refugees unless court orders otherwise

Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail announced the Malaysian government will continue repatriating Myanmar refugees and negotiations to return a second group, unless a court intervenes. The decision rests with the legal process, which will determine the continuation of repatriation efforts. Speaking at the Home Ministry's monthly assembly in Putrajaya, Saifuddin emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to managing the refugee issue, given its implications for the economy and society.

He urged the public to refrain from taking matters into their own hands and to direct any concerns to the authorities.

Meanwhile, overcrowding in immigration depots nationwide, with more than 23,000 detainees exceeding the 20,000 capacity, has raised concerns. Saifuddin highlighted the potential health risks, possible clashes, and escalating operational costs associated with overcrowding. He stated that the depots, currently holding 23,000 individuals, have surpassed their capacity, leading to additional problems such as health issues, detainee altercations, and increased expenses.

The Home Minister stressed the necessity of managing security and migration issues through cooperation with international partners. He emphasized the importance of enhancing intelligence-sharing and operational collaboration with regional allies to combat transnational crimes, including drug smuggling and online scams. Strengthening these partnerships will facilitate quicker information exchange, aiding authorities in identifying and apprehending individuals involved in criminal activities.

Saifuddin affirmed that international cooperation would continue to be bolstered to bolster enforcement and tackle the escalating security challenges.