Malaysia began a multiphase repatriation of undocumented migrants to war-torn Myanmar on Tuesday, sparking criticism from rights groups and families. Hundreds of buses transported migrants from Manjung Stadium to the Lumut Naval Base, where three Myanmar Navy vessels waited. While the Malaysian Home Ministry stated 5,000 nationals were slated for return after voluntarily consenting, many migrants, including Maung Kyaw, resisted the return.

His sister Thida Mon reported he was pressured to sign papers. Rohingya Muslims, who make up a large portion of the migrants, face heightened risks as they are stateless and have endured what the UN and US have determined was a genocide. About a thousand people boarded the ships, while Malaysian soldiers and police stood guard.

Malaysia does not grant political asylum, though UN refugee status allows migrants to stay. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim aims to repatriate 200,000 refugees, including Rohingyas, and recently met with former junta leader U Min Aung Hlaing. Rights groups argue that signed consent documents under pressure should not prove voluntary return.

The operation highlights the perilous situation for those fleeing civil war, ethnic persecution, and a collapsing economy in Myanmar.