PUTRAJAYA, Oct 8 — Myanmar has agreed to facilitate the large-scale repatriation of its citizens, with Naypyitaw ready to bear associated costs, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said today.
He said more than 10,493 Myanmar citizens have been repatriated from Malaysia via air and sea, with further such efforts to be negotiated between both governments.
Anwar added that Malaysia appreciates Myanmar’s agreement in the matter, noting that very few countries are prepared to undertake repatriation at such large scales 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 during a joint press conference here today with Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing, who is on a two-day visit to Malaysia.
Anwar said the remaining Myanmar nationals in Malaysia would be repatriated after their records are verified, adding that Min Aung Hlaing has indicated that between 3,000 and 4,000 Myanmar nationals currently at Immigration depots would be repatriated.
“I must again reiterate my thanks for your candid manner and willingness to collaborate,” Anwar told Min Aung Hlaing.
The two leaders discussed several key issues, including efforts to repatriate Myanmar nationals of all ethnic groups who are in Malaysia illegally, in a voluntary, dignified and safe manner.
