Malaysia to begin Rohingya repatriation on Sept 29

Malaysia will begin the first phase of a voluntary repatriation programme for Rohingya refugees to Myanmar on September 29, with around 1,500 people expected to return.

The Malaysian Home Ministry said the first phase will involve 1,476 Myanmar nationals identified by the Myanmar government.

The broader programme aims to repatriate 5,000 eligible Myanmar nationals in stages.

The first group will be transported using two Myanmar naval vessels and a hospital ship. Malaysia said the process would be carried out in a safe, orderly and dignified manner in coordination with Myanmar.

The repatriation plan has raised concerns among rights groups, who fear that returning Rohingya to Myanmar could put their safety at risk.