Myanmar Nationals Undergo Rigorous Screening Before Repatriation — KDN

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 6 – All Myanmar nationals involved in the first phase of the voluntary repatriation program in Lumut, Perak, on September 29 underwent rigorous screening and verification to ensure their safe and dignified return home, the Home Ministry (KDN) confirmed.

In a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document released on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, the ministry detailed that the verification process encompassed citizenship checks, identity confirmation, health screenings, and formal documentation.

The bilateral initiative followed a diplomatic note from the Myanmar government on August 13 verifying the individual list, followed by security, logistics, and reception coordination between both nations.

Multi-Agency Coordination and Infrastructure Relief

Final operational processing for the first phase was conducted at the Manjung District Stadium before individuals were escorted to the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) Base in Lumut for boarding.

Key aspects of the repatriation program include:

• Strategic Objectives: The initiative forms part of the government’s approach to curbing irregular migration through enforcement, managed detention, and structured repatriation, while reducing prolonged detention cycles.
• Detention Depot Pressure: As of August 31, 2026, a total of 11,804 Myanmar nationals were housed across Immigration Detention Depots (DTI) and Baitul Mahabbah facilities nationwide, causing severe operational and financial strain.
• Phased Commitments: The Myanmar government committed to accepting up to 5,000 detained citizens across 2026.
• First Phase Transport: The initial phase executed on September 29 saw 1,476 Myanmar nationals repatriated aboard three Myanmar Navy vessels, including a hospital ship (UMS Moattama). Detainees were mobilized from 14 depots nationwide, with primary concentrations from the Belantik (Kedah) and Tanah Merah (Kelantan) facilities.
• Second Phase Framework: Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil confirmed an agreement for the voluntary repatriation of an additional 3,524 Myanmar detainees under the program’s upcoming second phase.

KDN serves as the lead coordinating ministry alongside the Immigration Department of Malaysia (JIM) as the core operational agency, supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, National Security Council, Ministry of Defence, RMN, and related security bodies.

–NMT