Kuala Lumpur:A total of 3,524 Myanmar refugees have been approved for repatriation under the second phase of the voluntary repatriation program, according to MADANI Government spokesperson Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Communications Minister stated that the government is awaiting notification from Myanmar on the repatriation date, which will be coordinated with the Home Ministry (KDN) and Wisma Putra. The first phase of the repatriation program was successfully conducted, involving 1,476 Myanmar nationals.

The individuals involved in the second phase were identified by Myanmar authorities, and their names were submitted to Malaysia via a diplomatic note dated August 13, 2026, through Wisma Putra. Fahmi mentioned that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim plans to hold discussions with Myanmar soon to facilitate the return of more refugees.

Yesterday, Malaysia carried out the first phase of the repatriation program, repatriating 1,476 Myanmar nationals detained in Malaysia. The operation utilized three vessels, including a hospital ship from the Myanmar Navy. Home Ministry Deputy Secretary-General (Policy and Control) Datuk Makhzan Mahyuddin reported that the repatriated group included 1,370 men, 79 women, 20 boys, and seven girls, aged between eight and 60.

On July 29, the Prime Minister announced Myanmar's agreement to accept the return of approximately 5,000 Myanmar nationals detained in Malaysia, following negotiations and strong bilateral ties between the two countries. Fahmi emphasized that Malaysia would not repatriate any Myanmar refugees if they faced persecution or threats to their lives, despite the agreement to return 5,000 individuals. The government, through Wisma Putra, will assess several factors, including security concerns, before proceeding with any repatriation.