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Malaysia begins repatriation of Myanmar migrants under police supervision

Malaysian authorities have commenced deportation operations for migrants from Myanmar, with buses carrying detainees escorted by police. The exact composition of the group, including the number of Rohingya among them, remains unclear.

LSN Singapore · 29 September 2026

Malaysia begins repatriation of Myanmar migrants under police supervision

Malaysia has launched a repatriation programme for migrants from Myanmar, with convoys of buses transporting detainees under police escort. The operation marks a significant shift in the country's handling of the growing migrant population from the neighbouring nation. Authorities have not yet disclosed comprehensive details about the scale or timeline of the deportation exercise. The identity and nationality breakdown of those being returned remains uncertain, though the group is believed to include individuals from various backgrounds. Regional observers have been monitoring Malaysia's approach to migration management closely, as the country hosts one of Southeast Asia's largest migrant populations. The repatriation effort comes amid ongoing regional concerns about displacement and humanitarian conditions affecting migrants from Myanmar. Malaysian officials have not provided specific figures regarding how many individuals are involved in the current operation or how many additional deportations may follow. The move reflects broader policy discussions across Southeast Asia about managing irregular migration from Myanmar.