Myanmar Refugee Repatriation To Continue After Initial 5,000, Says Immigration DG

PUTRAJAYA, Oct 6 (Bernama) -- The repatriation of Myanmar refugees will continue once the 5,000 individuals agreed upon by the Myanmar government have been sent home, said Immigration director-general Datuk Zakaria Shaaban.

Speaking at a press conference on a special operation here today, Zakaria said 1,476 individuals were repatriated in the first phase last month, while more than 3,000 remain in the country.

"This is an ongoing process. It does not stop at just these 5,000. We have not set a quota. If possible, we want them all to return," he said.

Based on UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) records of issued cards, the number of registered refugees in the country now exceeds 200,000, with nearly half estimated to be Myanmar nationals, he said.

On Sept 29, Malaysia carried out the first phase of the repatriation programme involving 1,476 Myanmar detainees aboard three vessels, including a Myanmar Navy hospital ship.

The repatriated group comprised 1,370 men, 79 women, 20 boys and seven girls, aged between eight and 60.

Zakaria said the Immigration Department is still awaiting feedback from Wisma Putra regarding further negotiations with the Myanmar authorities for the second phase.

Meanwhile, Zakaria said the exact number of refugees in Malaysia has yet to be determined, and the department is relying on data from UNHCR-issued cardholders.

"I cannot give an estimate, which is why we are implementing the DPP (Refugee Registration Document). The main purpose of the DPP is to determine the actual number of refugees in our country," he said.

Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah was previously reported as saying that the DPP, the official registration system for refugees, was implemented early this year.

The initiative was carried out to address security risks and irregular data issues, in line with National Security Council Directive No. 23.

-- BERNAMA