Malaysia and Myanmar have discussed the repatriation of Myanmar nationals, including refugees from different ethnic communities, during a meeting between Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing in Putrajaya on Thursday.
The two leaders held a private meeting followed by broader bilateral talks during Min Aung Hlaing’s two-day official visit to Malaysia. Repatriation of Myanmar nationals was among the key issues on the agenda, alongside bilateral relations and regional matters.
Malaysia said the return process should be voluntary, safe and dignified. Following the talks, Anwar said Myanmar had agreed to accept a large number of its nationals from all ethnic groups who are currently in Malaysia and facilitate their return.
The issue is particularly significant for Malaysia, which hosts a large population of people from Myanmar, including Rohingya refugees and asylum seekers. Anwar has described the situation as both a humanitarian and security concern, saying the number of people from Myanmar in Malaysia has reached around 200,000.
Speaking in parliament earlier this week, Anwar said Malaysia’s existing arrangements cover Myanmar nationals regardless of ethnic identity, including Rohingya, Arakan, Karen and Shan communities. He also said those being repatriated must agree to return without coercion and sign their consent before departure.
Anwar has argued that direct engagement with Myanmar is necessary to address the longstanding refugee issue. Malaysia has been pursuing direct contacts with Myanmar as part of a broader effort to find practical solutions while also working through ASEAN mechanisms.
Myanmar has indicated that it is prepared to facilitate large-scale repatriation and bear the associated costs, according to Anwar. More than 10,493 Myanmar citizens and personnel have already been repatriated from Malaysia through flights and naval vessels, with further returns to be negotiated between the two countries’ authorities.
Malaysia’s Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil stressed that Anwar’s meeting with Min Aung Hlaing did not amount to formal recognition of Myanmar’s government. He said the engagement was aimed at addressing the longstanding refugee issue through diplomatic channels.
The talks also covered efforts to strengthen bilateral cooperation in areas including trade, investment, education, agriculture, energy, healthcare and capacity building. Malaysia said it would continue supporting ASEAN-led efforts to promote peace, reconciliation and humanitarian assistance in Myanmar.
The meeting comes as Malaysia faces growing domestic pressure over the presence of Myanmar nationals and continues to balance immigration enforcement with humanitarian concerns surrounding refugees and asylum seekers.
