Lumut:Myanmar nationals involved in the first phase of the repatriation program in Lumut, Perak, on September 29 underwent comprehensive screening and verification processes before being repatriated voluntarily, safely, and with dignity to their home country.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Home Ministry (KDN) stated that the procedures included citizenship verification, documentation, health screening, and identity checks. The Myanmar government verified the list of individuals and submitted it to Malaysia through a diplomatic note dated August 13, which was followed by detailed coordination on security, logistics, and reception arrangements in Myanmar.
Final processing for the first phase was conducted at the Manjung District Stadium before the individuals were taken to the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) Base in Lumut for repatriation. The government aims to ensure that the repatriation process is executed safely, orderly, responsibly, and with dignity, following the procedures agreed upon by both countries.
The program is part of the Malaysian government's strategy to address irregular migration and manage undocumented migrants through enforcement, detention management, and orderly repatriation. It also aims to reduce unnecessary detention periods, thereby alleviating pressure on the capacity and operating costs of Immigration Detention Depots.
As of August 31, there were 11,804 Myanmar nationals detained at Immigration Detention Depots and Baitul Mahabbah facilities across Malaysia. The high number of detainees and prolonged detention periods have strained depot capacity and led to significant government expenditure. Thus, the repatriation program was established as a bilateral initiative between Malaysia and Myanmar to facilitate the phased return of Myanmar nationals detained in Malaysia.
The Myanmar government has committed to accepting the return of 5,000 of its citizens throughout 2026. Under the program, KDN coordinates the efforts, with the Immigration Department of Malaysia (JIM) acting as the main operational agency. The operation also involves the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, National Security Council, Ministry of Defence, Royal Malaysian Navy, and other relevant security agencies.
The first phase on September 29 saw 1,476 Myanmar nationals repatriated aboard three Myanmar Navy vessels, including a hospital ship. The operation involved detainees from 14 Immigration Detention Depots nationwide, with the largest numbers coming from the Belantik Depot in Kedah and Tanah Merah Depot in Kelantan.
Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil previously announced that an agreement had been reached for the voluntary repatriation of 3,524 Myanmar detainees under the program's second phase.