Reported as of 1 October 2026 (Malaysia time). Details may change as stories develop.
Malaysia began the first phase of a repatriation programme on 29 September, sending 1,476 Myanmar detainees home from Lumut aboard three Myanmar naval vessels, including a hospital ship. They came from 14 immigration depots and included men, women and children. Authorities say the full plan covers 5,000 people and that the programme is voluntary and phased.
About 850 personnel from the Immigration Department, the navy, police and several ministries took part in the operation. The department says it will review documentation, security and logistics before moving to later phases.
The move has drawn criticism. The UN refugee agency says conditions in Myanmar do not support safe and sustainable returns, and that it was not involved in identifying who was sent back. Rights groups worry that some asylum seekers may have been among those returned, while a Myanmar official told reporters the arrangement did not involve Rohingya.
On 30 September the Immigration Department also rejected a viral claim that a teenage girl had been sent back, saying she remains in detention. The episode is a reminder to check viral posts against official statements. Malaysia hosts nearly 194,000 registered refugees from Myanmar, so decisions on this programme will shape the debate for months.
Related news
- Malaysia Sends Home 1,476 Myanmar Detainees In First Phase Of Repatriation Programme (Bernama)
- Malaysia Begins Sending Home Myanmar Refugees Despite Safety Concerns (Reuters via U.S. News)
- Immigration Dept denies social media claim that Myanmar teen was repatriated, says she remains in detention (Malay Mail)
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