Repatriation of Myanmar detainees carried out in orderly, responsible and lawful manner - Fahmi

KUALA LUMPUR: Any action regarding the repatriation of Myanmar detainees to their home country will be carried out in an orderly, responsible, and lawful manner, said Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil.

He said the matter was among matters discussed during his meeting with the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) today to exchange views and obtain feedback regarding detainee management issues.

"Among the matters discussed included the repatriation of Myanmar refugees to their home country, including implementation procedures and security aspects, in addition to humanitarian matters that Suhakam requested be given attention.

"Meetings like this are important to enable the government to listen to the views of all parties, especially from a humanitarian perspective in handling refugee issues," he said via a Facebook post today.

Fahmi also thanked Suhakam Chairman Datuk Seri Mohd Hishamudin Mohd Yunus and his team for their willingness to receive him and his delegation during the meeting.

On Sept 29, Malaysia began the first phase of the repatriation programme for approximately 1,500 Myanmar nationals, which is part of the 5,000 individuals whom the government stated had agreed to return voluntarily from detention centers.

The government takes note of public concerns regarding foreign national management, including aspects of security, public order, and immigration detention, with every action carried out in accordance with the law and established procedures.