PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia is the first country in the world to have successfully convinced Myanmar to accept the return of its nationals, says Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil (pic).
The Communications Minister, who is also the government spokesperson, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had highlighted the achievement.
Fahmi described the move as an extraordinary achievement, saying Malaysia had successfully persuaded Myanmar to accept the return of its nationals.
“All of them were repatriated at Myanmar’s own expense.
“This is indeed a diplomatic achievement that Malaysia can be proud of,” he said at the Communications Ministry’s monthly assembly organised by Bernama yesterday.
The assembly, held in conjunction with National Sports Day 2026, was also attended by ministry secretary-general Datuk Abdul Halim Hamzah, Bernama chief executive officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin and Bernama editor-in-chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj, the news agency reported.
Fahmi said Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing’s official visit to Malaysia on Oct 7 and 8 paved the way for discussions on returning more Myanmar nationals, with more than 3,000 from various ethnic groups expected to be repatriated soon.
On Sept 29, Malaysia carried out the first phase of a repatriation programme involving 1,476 Myanmar nationals detained at immigration depots.
They were sent home aboard three Myanmar naval vessels, including a hospital ship.
