PUTRAJAYA (Oct 8): Myanmar is prepared to facilitate the repatriation of its nationals on a large scale, with the country ready to bear the associated costs, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said on Thursday.
He said more than 10,493 Myanmar citizens and personnel had so far been repatriated to Myanmar through flights and naval ships, with further repatriation to be negotiated between Malaysia’s Home Ministry and its Myanmar counterpart.
Anwar said Malaysia appreciates Myanmar’s willingness to accept its nationals, noting that very few countries are prepared to undertake repatriation in such large numbers at their own expense.
“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,” he said in his remarks during a joint press conference here on Thursday in conjunction with Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing two-day official visit that began on Wednesday.
Anwar said the remaining Myanmar nationals would be repatriated according to the stipulated rules and procedures, subject to verification of their records.
Anwar said Min Aung Hlaing had also indicated that between 3,000 and 4,000 Myanmar nationals currently at immigration depots would be repatriated.
He added that relevant authorities would need to verify nationality and records, including any criminal records, before completing the repatriation process.
Anwar also thanked Myanmar for its cooperation, particularly in facilitating the return of its nationals.
“I must again reiterate my thanks for your candid manner and willingness to collaborate,” he said.
The two leaders have discussed several key issues, including efforts to repatriate Myanmar nationals of all ethnic groups who are in Malaysia illegally, on a voluntary, dignified and safe basis.
Meanwhile, Min Aung Hlaing said Myanmar would send a naval ship to Malaysia to expedite the repatriation of its citizens held in immigration detention centres.
He said Myanmar would bring those confirmed as citizens home as soon as possible.
“We will expedite the process to bring them back, and we are sending one naval ship to Malaysia for their repatriation,” he said at the joint press conference.
He also requested the Malaysian government’s assistance to facilitate the repatriation.
On labour cooperation, Min Aung Hlaing said both countries agreed to strengthen protections for Myanmar migrant workers, acknowledging their contribution to Malaysia’s economic and infrastructure development.
“We agreed to cooperate with the Malaysian government to ensure their workplace safety, rightful entitlements, protections, and improved social security and care,” he said.
He added that both countries would facilitate workers' entry through legal channels, protect them from exploitation, and effectively implement bilateral agreements.
He also thanked the Malaysian government for its assistance and care for Myanmar workers.
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