PETALING JAYA: Malaysia is set to begin repatriating its first batch of Myanmar nationals on Tuesday (Sept 29), launching the initial phase of a voluntary return program for 5,000 detainees.
The group forms part of a broader agreement between Putrajaya and Naypyidaw to return undocumented Myanmar nationals currently held in Malaysian detention centers.
Dozens of buses under heavy police escort arrived at the Manjung Municipal Council Stadium near the Lumut Naval Base in Perak early Tuesday (Sept 29). Detainees are undergoing final documentation checks before being transferred to the naval base, where three Myanmar Navy vessels—including two warships and a hospital ship—await to transport them home.
The Home Ministry previously confirmed that this first phase involves 1,476 individuals formally identified by the Myanmar government.
The launch date was finalized following joint coordination between the Home Ministry, Foreign Ministry, National Security Council, and Defence Ministry to manage complex operational and logistical demands, adjusting from an earlier proposal of Aug 28.
The repatriation stems from an announcement made in July by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who revealed that Myanmar had agreed to take back 5,000 nationals.
While the rare initiative marks a significant diplomatic agreement, it has drawn close scrutiny and concern from international human rights organizations regarding the safety and voluntary status of the returnees. Anwar also indicated plans to extend an invitation to Myanmar junta leader and current president Min Aung Hlaing for an official visit to help streamline and expedite future phases of the exercise.
