BUKIT KAYU HITAM, March 12 — The Foreign Affairs Ministry (Wisma Putra) has said 25 more Malaysians who were victims of online scam syndicates in Myawaddy, Myanmar, arrived safely at the Bukit Kayu Hitam ICQS Complex at 4.40pm today.
“All the victims were handed over to the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) to assist in further investigations,” it said, noting that the Embassy of Malaysia in Yangon and the Embassy of Malaysia in Bangkok had facilitated the victims' repatriation.
“They were among the foreign nationals rescued by Myanmar authorities during recent operations to combat online scam syndicates in the Myawaddy area,” Wisma Putra added.
The Embassy of Malaysia in Yangon conducted a consular visit to Myawaddy in Kayin State, Myanmar, to verify the identities of the Malaysian nationals before they were handed over to the officials from the Embassy of Malaysia in Bangkok.
“These officials worked closely with the Thai authorities in Mae Sot, Tak Province, Thailand, to arrange for their repatriation by land,” it said.
Wisma Putra said both Malaysian Embassies provided comprehensive consular assistance, including contacting the families, issuing temporary travel documents, arranging transportation, providing essential items like food and face masks, and accompanying the victims throughout their journey from Mae Sot to Bukit Kayu Hitam, Kedah.
“This repatriation process is a continuation of a similar exercise previously conducted on February 24, 2025, when the Embassy of Malaysia in Bangkok facilitated the return of 15 Malaysians,” it said.
This repatriation's success was made possible through strong and close cooperation with the Ministry of Home Affairs, PDRM, the Immigration Department, and the Consulate-General of Malaysia in Songkhla.
“The Foreign Affairs Ministry expresses its sincere appreciation to the government of Thailand and the authorities in Myanmar for their assistance in receiving and expediting the repatriation of the 25 Malaysians.
“We remain committed to ensuring the welfare of Malaysian nationals abroad and, through its diplomatic missions, will continue to provide consular assistance whenever needed,” said Wisma Putra.
— Bernama
