Malaysia starts Myanmar repatriations without UNHCR role amid safety warning

Malaysia has started repatriating about 1,500 Myanmar nationals on September 29, 2026. Malaysia says the program is strictly voluntary. UNHCR says it has no role in the planned repatriation and warns Myanmar is still unsafe. How consent is documented will shape scrutiny of further phases toward the 5,000 total Malaysia says Myanmar agreed to take back.