Malaysia Sends 1,476 Muslims Back to Myanmar on Naval Ships

Malaysia began repatriating 1,476 Muslims detained in the country to Myanmar today. The returnees are scheduled to be transported from the Lumut naval base in Perak state aboard two Myanmar navy ships and a hospital ship, according to reports.

The Malaysian government’s repatriation programme aims to return around 5,000 Muslims to Myanmar in phases. The first group was taken from immigration detention depots across Malaysia. According to figures from Malaysia’s Ministry of Home Affairs dated August 15, 10,388 Muslims were being held in immigration detention centres, AP reported.

On the morning of September 29, buses carrying the detainees arrived under police escort at the Manjung Stadium near the Lumut naval base before proceeding to the port. Two Myanmar navy ships and a hospital ship were reportedly docked at the port to transport the returnees.

The Malaysian government has described the repatriation as a “voluntary” return programme. However, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and human rights organisations have expressed concerns over the safety of those being returned, given the ongoing conflict in Myanmar.

The ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights (APHR) has also called on the Malaysian government to halt the repatriation programme that began today. According to APHR, those being returned could face risks related to the ongoing conflict and human rights situation in Myanmar, as well as possible forced military conscription.

Source: Reuters, AP