Myanmar ready to bring home 5,000 refugees by ship

Myanmar has indicated its readiness to repatriate around 5,000 of its citizens residing in Malaysia, proposing the use of ships for their return. The offer was conveyed by Myanmar's Foreign Minister during a recent meeting with his Malaysian counterpart, Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.

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During my meeting with the new Foreign Minister in Myanmar, they expressed their willingness to bring back these 5,000 people by ship. But the issue is the safety of these 5,000 people.

However, Mohamad Hasan highlighted that the execution of this plan hinges on ensuring the safety of the individuals involved and implementing thorough screening procedures. "When we send them back, are they safe or what will happen? That also needs to be considered," he stated during a press conference.

The Malaysian Home Ministry is expected to release initial data on Myanmar refugees through the Refugee Registration Document (DPP) program by the fourth quarter of this year. The Immigration Department of Malaysia is currently gathering this information.

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Are they safe or what will happen? That also needs to be considered.

While the Malaysian Foreign Ministry will act as a facilitator, the final decision rests with the Home Ministry and Myanmar's authorities. Approximately 5,000 individuals have been identified for repatriation, but no definitive timeline has been established. Mohamad stressed the urgency, stating, "There is no timeframe, but it must be done soon."

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There is no timeframe, but it must be done soon. It's up to them. And they (Myanmar) have to do the screening.

Furthermore, Mohamad emphasized that the issue of Myanmar refugees extends beyond the Rohingya ethnic group, encompassing various other ethnic communities such as the Chin and Karen. He views the situation as an internal Myanmar issue that requires a collective approach within the ASEAN framework, given its impact on regional security and stability. ASEAN's principle of 'shared responsibility' involves not only accepting refugees but also collectively pressuring Myanmar to cease its internal violence.

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This is an internal issue of the country, and we are not talking about Rohingya refugees. We are talking about refugees in various forms.