Malaysia Begins Repatriating Myanmar Nationals Under Agreement to Return 5,000 People
The South China Morning Post reports that the initial group of 1,476 Myanmar nationals is being sent back to Myanmar as part of an agreement to return 5,000 individuals held in Malaysian immigration facilities. Rights organizations have expressed concern regarding potential persecution and forced conscription for those returning under what they describe as an opaque deal with Myanmar's military-backed government. Rights organizations have expressed concern regarding potential persecution and forced conscription for those returning under what they describe as an opaque deal with Myanmar's military-backed government.
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According to the South China Morning Post, the initial group of 1,476 Myanmar nationals is being sent back to Myanmar as part of an agreement intended to return 5,000 people who are currently held in Malaysian immigration facilities. Rights organizations have stated that the program does not possess sufficient safeguards, though Kuala Lumpur characterizes it as voluntary.
Bernama reported, citing Home Ministry deputy secretary general Makhzan Mahyuddin, that the individuals being returned consisted of 1,370 men, 79 women, 20 boys, and seven girls, with ages spanning from eight to 60.
Bernama further stated that the detainees, who were sourced from 14 immigration depots, underwent final identity verification and health checks at a stadium before being transported in 46 buses to the Lumut naval base in Perak state.
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