Kuala Lumpur:A total of 10,000 Myanmar detainees have been repatriated to Myanmar from Malaysia since January this year, using both air and sea routes, according to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the repatriation process was a result of direct negotiations and efforts between the Malaysian Government and Myanmar authorities. The detainees included various ethnic groups such as Rohingya, Arakan, Karen, and Shan.
Out of the total number repatriated, some detainees returned to Myanmar via the government's initiative, while approximately 1,400 were transported using Myanmar's naval vessels. Prime Minister Anwar shared these details during the Ministers' Question Time session in the Dewan Rakyat, addressing a query about the government's strategy for handling Myanmar nationals, including refugees and asylum seekers, particularly the Rohingya.
Anwar highlighted that Malaysia is the first country to effectively repatriate Myanmar nationals through negotiation and diplomatic channels. He assured that the repatriation process was voluntary, with the individuals' consent documented by the Ministry of Home Affairs to ensure their safety and human rights.
Regarding the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the issuance of refugee cards, Anwar described it as a "legacy issue" introduced by the previous government. He emphasized that any changes to existing regulations would require consultation with the United Nations to maintain compliance with international standards.
The Prime Minister also stated that Malaysia would not allow its repatriation policies or national administration to be dictated by foreign entities. On a related issue, Anwar warned that enforcement agencies would tighten controls on illegal businesses operated by foreigners, with the possibility of revoking licenses from locals renting them to foreigners.
In a previous announcement on July 29, Anwar revealed that Myanmar had agreed to accept the return of 5,000 detainees from Malaysia, with the first phase of the repatriation completed on September 29, involving 1,476 detainees transported by Myanmar naval vessels, including a hospital ship.