Kuala Lumpur:Base Cooperation from the Myanmar Government, particularly in identifying and verifying its nationals, ensured the smooth execution of the first phase of Malaysia's Myanmar detainee repatriation program today.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Home Ministry (KDN) deputy secretary-general (Policy and Control) Datuk Makhzan Mahyuddin stated that the verification process was essential to ensure those involved could be repatriated under a mechanism agreed upon by both countries.
The Myanmar Embassy provided full cooperation, which accelerated the identification and verification of individuals by the Myanmar Government. This process was a critical part of the discussions between the two governments, with coordination from the Foreign Ministry as well.
A total of 1,476 Myanmar nationals were repatriated during the first phase aboard three Myanmar naval vessels, including a hospital ship. The final movement from the base occurred at 1243 pm. Myanmar's navy also played a role in facilitating the repatriation process.
Makhzan emphasized the commitment of both countries to the phased repatriation of 5,000 Myanmar nationals. The timing of subsequent phases will depend on identity verification and documentation. Documentation is crucial, especially for those without identification papers, before they can return home.
The KDN will inform Wisma Putra once documentation is completed to further discussions with Myanmar on the next repatriation phase. The speed of the process will determine the timing of future phases.
As of August 15, there were 10,388 Myanmar nationals in immigration detention depots. Makhzan noted that not all were refugees, as their status was still under determination. The Immigration Department and police are implementing the Refugee Registration Document (DPP) program to verify identities, nationalities, immigration status, refugee claims, and security backgrounds.
For 2026, 4,008 individuals, mainly Rohingya, will participate in the DPP program, while another 5,000 will undergo voluntary and phased repatriation as agreed with the Myanmar Government.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that Myanmar had agreed to take back about 5,000 of its nationals held in Malaysia, following negotiations taking place in Bangkok and Beijing. Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing will be invited to Malaysia for further discussions on refugee issues and efforts towards a comprehensive solution.