Kuala Lampur:The repatriation program for Myanmar refugees in Malaysia will proceed after the first 5,000 individuals, as agreed upon with the Myanmar government, have been returned. Immigration director-general Datuk Zakaria Shaaban announced that the initial phase saw 1,476 individuals repatriated last month, leaving over 3,000 still in Malaysia.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Zakaria clarified that the program is ongoing and not limited to the initial 5,000 individuals, emphasizing the aim for all refugees to return. UNHCR records indicate over 200,000 registered refugees in Malaysia, with nearly half being Myanmar nationals.

The first phase, conducted on September 29, involved 1,476 Myanmar detainees returning on three vessels, including a Myanmar Navy hospital ship. The group consisted of 1,370 men, 79 women, 20 boys, and seven girls, aged between eight and 60.

The Immigration Department is awaiting further instructions from Wisma Putra for additional negotiations with Myanmar authorities regarding the next phase. Zakaria noted the department relies on UNHCR data to estimate refugee numbers, as the exact count remains undetermined.

To address security and data issues, the Refugee Registration Document (DPP) was introduced as the official registration system for refugees. This initiative aligns with National Security Council Directive No. 23 and was implemented earlier this year, as previously stated by Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah.