On 29 September 2026, the Malaysian government executed the first phase of a controversial mass repatriation agreement with the Myanmar military junta, forcibly deporting approximately 1,500 Burmese detainees via two junta naval warships and a hospital ship docked at a port near the Lumut naval base in Perak State. The deportees included 1,370 men, 79 women, and 27 children. This operation followed a July 2026 election campaign by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who cited “good bilateral relations” as the basis for returning 5,000 detainees. On 3 September 2026, the junta’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) confirmed the retrieval plan, noting the junta had originally negotiated for an August collection but accommodated Malaysia’s September timeline.
The deportation proceeded despite massive international condemnation. On 23 September 2026, over 160 civil society organizations (CSOs) issued a joint statement urgently warning against the refoulement of refugees, particularly Rohingya, to junta, who faces potential International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrants for crimes against humanity. CSOs highlighted the severe risks of persecution and forced conscription by armed factions upon return. Despite Malaysia characterizing the returns as “voluntary,” official statements acknowledged the junta specifically identified the individuals designated for repatriation.