Vessels carrying 1,476 Myanmar detainees to arrive in Myanmar tomorrow

KUALA LUMPUR: Three Myanmar naval vessels carrying 1,476 Myanmar detainees in Malaysia are expected to arrive in Myanmar tomorrow, reports said.

Myanmar news portal Popular News Journal reported that the three vessels, which departed from the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) Base in Lumut, Perak, on Sept 29, entered Myanmar waters on Oct 1.

The report said Myanmar naval ships received and escorted the vessels shortly after they entered the country's waters before they proceeded to the naval port in Thilawa, about 25km from Yangon.

One of those aboard the vessels said they were overjoyed after being told they would be released from immigration detention centres and sent back to their hometowns.

"At that time, we were not certain whether we would really be going home, but everyone was happy, and we talked among ourselves.

"The night before our departure, we could not sleep because we knew we would finally be returning to our country, Myanmar.

"Living outside was difficult, but the accommodation and food at the detention centre were poor.

"Seeing the Myanmar flag brought tears to my eyes. I was so happy that I cannot put it into words," the person was quoted as saying in an interview with the news portal.

It was previously reported that 1,476 Myanmar detainees in Malaysia would be repatriated aboard three naval vessels that departed from the RMN Base in Lumut on Sept 29.

The Home Ministry, Immigration Department and relevant agencies coordinated the repatriation following diplomatic approaches and direct negotiations with the Myanmar government.