KUALA LUMPUR – Myanmar has agreed to facilitate and fully fund the large-scale repatriation of its nationals currently in Malaysia, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced today.
Speaking at a joint press conference alongside Myanmar leader Min Aung Hlaing during his two-day official visit, Anwar highlighted the unusual nature of the agreement, noting that few nations step up to finance repatriation operations at such a scale.
“Very, very few, hardly any country in my experience, are willing to accept this repatriation in large numbers at their own expense, as you have shown in Myanmar,” Anwar said, thanking Min Aung Hlaing for his “candid manner and willingness to collaborate.”
So far, 10,493 Myanmar citizens and personnel have been returned via flights and naval vessels.
The operation is set to expand, with negotiations ongoing between Malaysia’s Ministry of Home Affairs and its Myanmar counterpart.
According to Anwar, Min Aung Hlaing indicated that an additional 3,000 to 4,000 Myanmar nationals currently held at Malaysian immigration depots will be included in the upcoming phases.
The Prime Minister stressed that the remaining repatriations will strictly adhere to rules and procedures, requiring thorough background checks and nationality verification—including screening for criminal records—before departure.
The two leaders affirmed that the returns across all ethnic groups are intended to be conducted on a voluntary, dignified, and safe basis. – October 8, 2026