KUALA LUMPUR – The Defence Ministry (Mindef) is finalising plans to repatriate 127 Palestinians, including 41 injured individuals, who were brought to Malaysia for medical treatment.
Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari said the repatriation effort involves coordination between parties in Malaysia, Palestine, and Egypt, Bernama reported.
“We are now in the process of finalising the repatriation. We took on the responsibility of treating injured Palestinians affected by war and ensured they regained good health,” he said at a press conference during a hi-tea event with the Defence Minister at a hotel here today.
Adly noted that the recent ceasefire agreement between Israel and Palestine has created an opportunity for the Palestinians to return home.
“At the same time, Mindef will continue to support efforts to assist Palestinians, particularly in Gaza,” he said, adding that cooperation from the Palestinian embassy and the Egyptian government remains crucial to the repatriation process.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi disclosed yesterday that the matter had been discussed at last week’s Cabinet meeting. He said the repatriation arrangements were being handled by the Foreign Ministry in collaboration with Mindef.
On January 5, the Palestinian embassy confirmed that discussions were underway with the Malaysian government to facilitate the return of Palestinians housed at WTKL to Egypt. Palestinian Ambassador to Malaysia Walid Abu Ali said the talks are focused on logistics for their transportation.
The embassy’s statement followed an incident involving several Palestinians at WTKL, which the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) said was brought under control without any physical altercations or injuries, though minor property damage occurred.
Videos of the incident circulated on social media, drawing public attention. The footage shows individuals damaging property and burning items, with people shouting and children running around.
Addressing the incident further, Walid said some Palestinians acted out because they felt “imprisoned here for security purposes”.
However, he stressed that Palestinians must remember they are guests in Malaysia and must respect the country’s laws.
Malaysia brought 127 Palestinians into the country last August for medical treatment following Israeli attacks on Gaza. The injured were treated at Tuanku Mizan Armed Forces Hospital, while their families stayed at WTKL. – January 20, 2025