Malaysia Returns 1,476 Myanmar Nationals as First Wave Begins

The Malaysian government has begun the repatriation of approximately 1,500 Myanmar nationals. This group represents the first wave of 5,000 Myanmar citizens who, according to the Malaysian government, have agreed to ‘voluntary’ repatriation from detention centres, amidst rising anti-migrant sentiment in Malaysia.

According to AFP on Tuesday (29/09/2026), the UN and advocacy organisations have expressed concern that these refugees could face dangerous situations upon returning to Myanmar, a country plagued by war since 2021.

Neither Malaysia nor Myanmar has provided official clarification regarding the number of Rohingya individuals within this first group. Concerns have emerged that they may be returned to a country where they face persecution that human rights groups have likened to genocide.

In an AFP report on Tuesday afternoon, three Myanmar Navy vessels were seen departing from the Lumut naval base in Malaysia at approximately 17:00 local time (09:00 GMT).

The vessels include support ships, the hospital ship Than Lwin, and the amphibious landing ship Moattama, which has previously been used in similar repatriation operations.

The Malaysian Ministry of Home Affairs confirmed in a statement that the repatriation process is underway.

“Today, 1,476 individuals have commenced the First Phase of the repatriation programme, based on the list submitted by the Myanmar Government through an official Diplomatic Note,” the statement read.

The statement added that this repatriation is part of the government’s plan to resolve the “legacy issue” regarding foreign asylum seekers in Malaysia, 95 per cent of whom originate from Myanmar.

“This long-standing issue has significantly burdened the nation’s finances, triggered a serious social crisis, and created a real security threat to the Malaysian people,” the statement noted.

However, in Geneva, UN refugee spokesperson Matthew Saltmarsh expressed concern regarding the plan to return refugees to Myanmar, fearing they may face threats to their lives.

“We are concerned by reports regarding the plan to return approximately 1,500 individuals from Myanmar to the country in the near future. Under international law, no one should be sent to a country where they may face persecution, torture, serious danger, or other threats to their life, freedom, and security,” he said.