3,524 Myanmar nationals to be sent back in 2nd repatriation phase

 Government spokesman Fahmi Fadzil says talks will continue to facilitate the return of more Myanmar nationals currently in the country.

Myanmar detainees boarding the UMS Moattama in the first phase of the repatriation programme at the Royal Malaysian Navy base in Lumut, Perak, yesterday. (Home ministry pic)

PETALING JAYA:

Malaysia and Myanmar have agreed to repatriate another 3,524 Myanmar nationals in the second phase of the country’s repatriation programme.

A total of 1,476 Myanmar nationals were sent home yesterday aboard three Myanmar naval vessels in the first phase of the repatriation programme.

At a press conference after today’s Cabinet meeting, government spokesman Fahmi Fadzil said Malaysia is awaiting confirmation from Myanmar on the date for the second phase.The communications minister said those to be repatriated were identified by the Myanmar government, and their names were submitted to Malaysia through a diplomatic note dated Aug 13, reported Utusan Malaysia.

“The government expects to receive further information on the repatriation of the second group in the near future,” he said.

Fahmi said Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim would continue discussions with the Myanmar government to facilitate the return of more Myanmar nationals currently in Malaysia after the second group had been repatriated.

He said the discussions were aimed at strengthening cooperation between the two countries while ensuring that the repatriation process was carried out in an orderly manner and in accordance with mutually agreed procedures.

“Malaysia and Myanmar are committed to addressing this issue through diplomatic cooperation and coordination between the relevant agencies,” he said.

The home ministry said that as of Aug 15, a total of 10,388 Myanmar nationals detained at immigration depots were undergoing identity, immigration status, and security background checks.

Of these, 5,000 had been finalised for the voluntary and phased repatriation programme.

The ministry said the programme was part of the government’s efforts to address the long-standing issue of Myanmar nationals residing in Malaysia illegally. - FMT