Myanmar has agreed to cover the costs of repatriating its nationals from Malaysia, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced during a joint press conference with Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing. The announcement followed a meeting held yesterday in Putrajaya as part of Min Aung Hlaing’s two-day official visit to Malaysia.

To date, Malaysia has repatriated 10,493 Myanmar citizens and personnel via flights and naval vessels, with further arrangements pending ongoing discussions between the Home Ministry of Malaysia and Myanmar’s corresponding agencies. Anwar expressed appreciation for Myanmar’s willingness to accept large-scale repatriation at its own expense, a commitment he noted was unusual among countries in similar circumstances.

“Very, very few, hardly any countries in my experience, are willing to accept repatriation in large numbers at their own expense, as you have shown in Myanmar,” Anwar said, acknowledging Myanmar’s cooperative stance.

The two leaders emphasized that the repatriation of Myanmar nationals would continue in line with established rules and procedures. This includes verifying individual records and nationalities, as well as screening for any criminal backgrounds, before repatriation can be finalized. Anwar also indicated that between 3,000 and 4,000 Myanmar nationals currently detained in immigration depots in Malaysia are expected to be repatriated.

Anwar thanked Myanmar for its collaboration and transparency in facilitating the process, describing the engagement as candid and cooperative. The discussions also covered broader topics related to the safe and voluntary return of undocumented Myanmar nationals from all ethnic groups residing in Malaysia.

This development marks a significant step in bilateral efforts to manage migration flows and address humanitarian concerns surrounding undocumented migrants in Malaysia, while ensuring compliance with legal and procedural requirements on both sides.