MORE than 3,000 Myanmar refugees are expected to begin returning home in the near future after Malaysia secured Myanmar’s agreement to facilitate their repatriation, Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil said.
He said the development followed Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing’s official visit to Malaysia on Oct 7 and 8, which opened opportunities for further discussions on the return of Myanmar nationals.
“God willing, more than 3,000 Myanmar refugees from various ethnic groups will begin to be repatriated in the near future,” he said.
Fahmi described the agreement as a significant diplomatic breakthrough, saying Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had highlighted Malaysia’s success in persuading Myanmar to accept the return of its refugees.
“This is an extraordinary achievement because, as the Prime Minister has stated, Malaysia is the first country in the world to have succeeded in persuading a country such as Myanmar to accept the return of its refugees.
“All repatriations are being carried out at Myanmar’s own expense. This is a diplomatic achievement we can be very proud of,” he said on the sidelines of the Communications Ministry’s monthly assembly for October 2026 and in conjunction with National Sports Day 2026, in Putrajaya today.
Malaysia had previously completed the first phase of the repatriation programme involving 1,476 Myanmar detainees, transported on three vessels, including a hospital ship belonging to the Myanmar Navy.
Anwar was also reported to have said Myanmar was prepared to facilitate the large-scale return of its citizens and cover the associated costs.
Fahmi urged the media to monitor developments, saying the initiative formed part of Malaysia’s broader efforts to strengthen diplomatic ties.
He cited other diplomatic engagements, including visits by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and Jordan’s King Abdullah II, as well as the Global Sumud initiative to support the Palestinian people.
“God willing, these diplomatic initiatives will strengthen not only Malaysia’s standing in the eyes of the world but also help groups such as the Palestinian people,” he said. - October 14, 2026