Malaysian Embassy in Thailand: Second Batch of 26 Malaysians to be Repatriated from Myanmar Tomorrow
BANGKOK, March 10 (Bernama) — The second batch of 26 Malaysians rescued from job scam syndicates in Myanmar is expected to be repatriated tomorrow, according to the Malaysian Embassy in Thailand.
Coordination Efforts
Chargé d’Affaires ad interim of Malaysia to Thailand, Bong Yik Jui, said the embassy in Bangkok is working closely with the Thai authorities, the Embassy of Myanmar in Bangkok, and the Malaysian Embassy in Yangon to ensure the victims’ safe and smooth return.
Repatriation Process
"Myanmar authorities are expected to deport the victims to Thailand via the Thailand-Myanmar Second Friendship Bridge in Maesot, Tak Province, tomorrow. The Malaysian victims will then be repatriated immediately," he told Bernama on Monday.
Bong added that Chargé d’Affaires of Malaysia to Myanmar, Johan Ariff Abdul Razak, who is flying in to Myawaddy, Myanmar, through crossing from Maesot, Thailand, will be personally present in the field to ensure the smooth verification process of the Malaysian victims tomorrow.
Consular Assistance
Meanwhile, Bong said all the victims are expected to return to Malaysia by land via the Bukit Kayu Hitam Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security Complex.
"Our consular officers will assist the victims by contacting their next of kin in Malaysia and issuing temporary travel documents for their repatriation tomorrow," Bong said.
Victim Profile
The group includes three women, with the youngest victim aged 21.
Unclear Number of Victims Awaiting Deportation
On a related development, Johan said it remains unclear how many Malaysian victims are awaiting deportation from Myanmar, as not all of them have reached out to the embassy for assistance.
"There is total chaos in Myanmar, and I can only estimate that there could be over 20 (Malaysian) victims still awaiting deportation," he said.
Previous Repatriation
On March 6, Thailand’s Foreign Ministry announced plans to repatriate 1,500 people rescued from these syndicates in Myanmar each week.
Last month, 15 Malaysians were among 260 foreigners rescued from alleged call centre syndicates in Myawaddy, Myanmar. They were successfully brought back to Malaysia on February 24 and handed over to the Royal Malaysia Police to assist in investigations.
Conclusion
The Malaysian Embassy in Thailand is working diligently to ensure the safe and smooth return of the 26 Malaysians from Myanmar. The embassy is working closely with the Thai authorities and Myanmar Embassy to facilitate the repatriation process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many Malaysians are being repatriated from Myanmar?
A: 26 Malaysians are being repatriated from Myanmar.
Q: When will the repatriation take place?
A: The repatriation is expected to take place tomorrow.
Q: How many victims are awaiting deportation from Myanmar?
A: It is unclear, as not all of them have reached out to the embassy for assistance. Estimation suggests over 20 Malaysian victims are still awaiting deportation.
Q: What is the purpose of the repatriation?
A: The repatriation is to ensure the safe and smooth return of the Malaysian victims to their home country.