Kuala Lumpur:Malaysia has commenced the repatriation of 1,476 Myanmar nationals aboard three naval vessels from Myanmar.

According to Anadolu Agency, the group includes 1,370 men, 79 women, 20 boys, and seven girls, aged between eight and 60. This process involves individuals identified by Myanmar from 14 immigration detention depots. Their names were submitted to Malaysian authorities through a diplomatic note on August 13.

The Malaysian government asserts that the program is voluntary and follows procedures agreed upon with Myanmar. Prior to their departure, the returnees underwent health checks and identity verification. They were then transported to the Royal Malaysian Navy base in Lumut to board the vessels.

The repatriation is being conducted on the Myanmar naval vessel UMS Moattama, with UMS King Sin Phyu Shin and the hospital ship UMS Thanlwin accompanying it. This initiative follows an agreement reached last month when Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced Myanmar's agreement to accept 5,000 nationals from Malaysia. The Malaysian Home Ministry has since been involved in the identification and screening process.

Prime Minister Anwar aims to invite Myanmar's military leader Min Aung Hlaing to Malaysia for further discussions on the gradual return of refugees, while ensuring their safety and access to medical care. He highlighted the importance of good bilateral relations, which have facilitated Myanmar's acceptance of its nationals.