Rakhine Men Among Those Brought Back from Malaysia by Naval Ships Not Released; Temporarily Detained at Hlaing Tharyar Camp

News, October 5, 2026

Those Arrested and Repatriated by the Malaysian Government (source@afpnews)

Family members told Yangon Thit Hset (New Era) News Agency that among the over 1,400 Myanmar citizens brought back from Malaysia aboard Myanmar Navy warships, not a single Rakhine ethnic man has been released to date; instead, temporary detention centers have been opened in Hlaing Tharyar Township where they continue to be detained.

Three Myanmar Navy warships carrying 1,476 Myanmar migrant workers from Malaysia arrived at the naval base at Thilawa Port at approximately 5:30 AM on October 4.

The migrant workers who arrived at Thilawa Port were taken to monasteries in Yangon and temporary detention centers in Hlaing Tharyar Township for immigration and health inspections, it is learned.

Among those temporarily detained in Hlaing Tharyar Township, most are returnees from Ayeyarwady Region and Rakhine State, according to reports.

While most of those who returned from Ayeyarwady Region yesterday and this morning have already been released back to their families, not a single Rakhine ethnic person from Rakhine State has been released as of today, family members said.

The Rakhine ethnics still being detained in Hlaing Tharyar have not been allowed to meet their family members in person, nor have they been permitted to communicate by phone, leaving them out of contact, it is learned.

As a result, family members are worried about their safety situation and are also concerned that the men brought back from Malaysia may be forcibly conscripted for military service, it is learned.

Furthermore, family members say they have not yet been informed of the reason why Rakhine ethnics are being segregated from other returnees and kept in continued detention.

One family member said: "They haven't arrived yet. We heard they're being held in Hlaing Tharyar. Most of those from Ayeyarwady Region have been released, but not a single Rakhine has been released yet, and they haven't been allowed to meet their families. Most of those temporarily detained in Hlaing Tharyar are from Rakhine. We still don't know why they are being kept in continued detention."

The first batch brought back from Malaysia consisted mostly of men, and also included 27 children and 79 women. The 1,476 individuals are the first batch of approximately 5,000 people that Malaysia plans to send back to Myanmar, it is learned.

The Malaysian government has stated that these repatriations are based on those who have completed their sentences in detention centers and those who have voluntarily agreed to return to Myanmar.

However, family members say they are still not clearly informed of the reason why Rakhine ethnic men returning from Rakhine State are being kept in continued detention unlike other returnees, and they are worried about their safety and subsequent situation.

source@khitthitmedia