Malaysia to ensure safety of Myanmar refugees during repatriation

Malaysian Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail has stated that no Myanmar refugees will be repatriated if there is evidence or a risk that they would face persecution, torture, or threats to their lives in their home country.

While Malaysia is not a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention or its 1967 Protocol, the government maintains that it is committed to upholding international humanitarian standards and the rule of law. The repatriation process is being conducted through direct coordination and agreements with the Myanmar government.

The Ministry of Home Affairs is implementing a phased programme to repatriate up to 5,000 Myanmar refugees currently held in immigration detention depots. The first phase, completed on September 29, involved the repatriation of 1,476 individuals using maritime assets provided by the Myanmar government.

Subsequent phases are subject to the completion of identification, documentation, and verification processes by the Myanmar government, as well as logistical readiness and operational coordination between the two nations.