KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysia is not a “permanent home” for hundreds of thousands of Rohingya refugees from Myanmar, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said, stressing that a long-term solution must involve negotiations with authorities in the country of origin.
Anwar said the refugee crisis had continued for decades without a resolution, while the number of refugees in Malaysia kept increasing, local media reported.
He said it was unfair to criticise the government’s efforts to address the issue, as Putrajaya was seeking an amicable solution while ensuring the welfare and human rights of refugees remained protected.
“Our position is to protect their welfare and human rights concerns. But to just condemn us for taking this initiative, I don’t think it’s fair. We are trying to find an amicable resolution to this issue,” he told reporters after officiating Malaysia Professional Day at the KLGCC Convention Centre here on Tuesday.
Anwar said Malaysia would continue engaging Myanmar through diplomatic channels to determine the parameters of any possible resolution, including discussions on the potential return of some refugees.
“That is why I invited him (President of Myanmar), we will continue to negotiate and look at the parameters on how this matter can be resolved,” he was quoted as saying.
He added that any repatriation process must ensure those returning would receive adequate protection and necessary facilities.
“Of course, we have to make sure they’ll be protected and whatever facilities be accorded. But it is a decision that needs to be discussed and considered jointly between the Malaysian government and the Myanmar authorities,” he said.
Anwar said no country could simply absorb hundreds of thousands of refugees indefinitely, noting that some nations were also managing much larger refugee populations.
“No country can just accept hundreds of thousands (refugees) and some countries even millions. You have to negotiate,” he said.
Asked whether Myanmar had provided guarantees on the safety of those who would be sent back, Anwar said the country had agreed to receive its nationals.
“So far, the ones sent, they said yes, they will bring back their people. What else can we do? At least we take the trouble,” he said.
Anwar stressed that Malaysia was not merely sending refugees back without consideration, but was using diplomatic engagement to seek a workable solution.
“What is the solution? As being suggested by many of these organisations – keep them here? How many now? Two hundred thousand? Three hundred thousand?
“We use this platform diplomatically to negotiate,” he said.
Meanwhile, Malaysia has begun the first phase of a repatriation programme involving 1,476 Myanmar detainees, who are being sent home aboard three Myanmar naval vessels, including a hospital ship.
Home Ministry deputy secretary-general (Policy and Control) Datuk Makhzan Mahyuddin said the group comprised 1,370 men, 79 women, 20 boys and seven girls aged between eight and 60.
The detainees were identified by the Myanmar government, with their names submitted to Malaysia through a diplomatic note dated Aug 13, 2026.
“The individuals were identified by the Myanmar Government and their names submitted to Malaysia through a diplomatic note dated Aug 13, 2026.
“Following this, coordination was carried out involving the Home Ministry, Foreign Ministry, National Security Council and Defence Ministry, taking into account operational and logistical requirements,” he said during a press conference onboard KD Sri Indera Sakti at the Royal Malaysian Navy base in Lumut.
Makhzan said vessels from the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency, Marine Police and the Royal Malaysian Navy would escort the two Myanmar warships and hospital ship until they reached the edge of Malaysian waters as a security measure.
He said the Immigration Department was the lead agency responsible for identity verification, documentation, security arrangements and logistical coordination for the programme.
“The repatriation programme is part of efforts to manage foreign nationals and immigration detainees in a more orderly manner. It is being carried out voluntarily, safely and responsibly based on procedures agreed with the Myanmar Government,” he said.
Makhzan said a review of the first phase would be conducted before subsequent phases involving a total of 5,000 Myanmar nationals proceed.
He said future repatriation dates and the number of detainees involved would depend on government decisions, completion of identity verification, operational readiness and coordination with Myanmar.
The detainees underwent final health screenings, identity verification and documentation checks at Manjung District Stadium before being transported in 46 buses to the Lumut naval base.
The repatriation involved UMS Moattama, accompanied by UMS King Sin Phyu Shin and Myanmar Navy hospital ship UMS Thanlwin, which arrived in Lumut on Monday.
About 850 officers and personnel from various agencies, including the Immigration Department, Royal Malaysian Navy, police, National Security Council, Foreign Ministry and Home Ministry, are involved in the operation.
On July 29, Anwar said Myanmar had agreed to take back about 5,000 of its nationals detained in Malaysia following discussions between both countries.
The following day, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the ministry had begun identifying, documenting and screening the detainees ahead of the repatriation exercise. – September 29, 2026