BANGKOK – The second batch of 26 Malaysians rescued from job scam syndicates in Myanmar is expected to be repatriated tomorrow, according to the Malaysian Embassy in Thailand.
Malaysia’s Chargé d’Affaires ad interim to Thailand, Bong Yik Jui, said the embassy in Bangkok is working closely with Thai authorities, the Myanmar Embassy in Bangkok, and the Malaysian Embassy in Yangon to ensure the victims’ safe and smooth return.
“Myanmar authorities are expected to deport the victims to Thailand via the Thailand-Myanmar Second Friendship Bridge in Mae Sot, Tak Province, tomorrow. The Malaysian victims will then be repatriated immediately,” he told Bernama today.
Bong added that Malaysia’s Chargé d’Affaires to Myanmar, Johan Ariff Abdul Razak, will travel to Myawaddy, Myanmar, via Mae Sot, Thailand, to personally oversee the verification process of the Malaysian victims.
He said all victims are expected to return to Malaysia by land through the Bukit Kayu Hitam Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security Complex.
“Our consular officers will assist the victims by contacting their next of kin in Malaysia and issuing temporary travel documents for their repatriation,” Bong said.
Meanwhile, Johan said the 26 victims were rescued from three separate locations in Myanmar. The group includes three women, with the youngest victim aged 21.
On a related note, Johan said the exact number of Malaysians still awaiting deportation from Myanmar remains unclear as not all have sought assistance from the embassy.
“There is total chaos in Myanmar, and I can only estimate that more than 20 Malaysians may still be awaiting deportation,” he said.
On March 6, Thailand’s Foreign Ministry announced plans to repatriate 1,500 people rescued from these syndicates in Myanmar each week.
Last month, 15 Malaysians were among 260 foreigners rescued from alleged call centre syndicates in Myawaddy, Myanmar. They were successfully brought back to Malaysia on 24 February and handed over to the Royal Malaysia Police to assist in the investigations. — March 10, 2025