The government is still assessing several factors, including safety guarantees and conditions set by Myanmar, before proceeding with the proposed repatriation of 5,000 Rohingya refugees to the country.
Unity Government spokesperson Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil said the matter is currently being reviewed by the Foreign Ministry and the Home Ministry through discussions with Myanmar’s junta government.
He said the authorities are in the process of identifying the 5,000 Myanmar refugees, including those from the Rohingya ethnic group, who may be involved in the repatriation plan.
Fahmi stressed that Malaysia would not proceed with any return process if there were concerns that the refugees could face persecution or threats to their lives.
“As a responsible country, Malaysia will not send them back if they are at risk of being mistreated or having their safety compromised.
“Several matters need to be carefully examined first through discussions with the Myanmar junta government before any decision is implemented,” he said during a press conference after the Cabinet meeting today.
The government’s review will focus on ensuring that any repatriation process takes into account humanitarian concerns and the safety of those involved.
