(Kuala Lumpur, 21st) Through the assistance of Malaysia’s embassies in Bangkok and Yangon, the government successfully brought back 31 Malaysian citizens who had been deceived into becoming "piglets" in the Myawaddy area of Myanmar last night (20th).
These Malaysian "piglets" safely arrived at the Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security (ICQS) Complex in Bukit Kayu Hitam, Kedah, at 6:50 pm on Saturday. They were later handed over to the Royal Malaysia Police to assist with further investigations.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated in a press release that the identities of those involved had already been confirmed in a repatriation operation initiated in early December this year, by Malaysian embassy officials in Bangkok ahead of time. Due to their involvement in illegal entry, they had violated local immigration laws and thus could not be repatriated immediately.
These Malaysian "piglets" safely arrived at the Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security (ICQS) Complex in Bukit Kayu Hitam, Kedah, at 6:50 pm on Saturday. They were later handed over to the Royal Malaysia Police to assist with further investigations.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated in a press release that the identities of those involved had already been confirmed in a repatriation operation initiated in early December this year, by Malaysian embassy officials in Bangkok ahead of time. Due to their involvement in illegal entry, they had violated local immigration laws and thus could not be repatriated immediately.
However, through the efforts and negotiations of the Malaysian embassy in Bangkok, and with the assistance of Thai immigration authorities, this group was allowed to be released yesterday under Thailand's National Referral Mechanism (NRM). After their release, they were received by Malaysian embassy officials in Bangkok and were repatriated via land through Bukit Kayu Hitam.
The Foreign Ministry added that comprehensive consular assistance was provided, including notifying families, issuing temporary travel documents, coordinating logistical arrangements, providing basic necessities, and accompanying them throughout the 26-hour journey from Mae Sot, Tak Province, Thailand, to Bukit Kayu Hitam.
“This operation is part of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' ongoing efforts to protect the welfare of Malaysians overseas, especially those who fall victim to online and employment scam syndicates.”
The Foreign Ministry added that comprehensive consular assistance was provided, including notifying families, issuing temporary travel documents, coordinating logistical arrangements, providing basic necessities, and accompanying them throughout the 26-hour journey from Mae Sot, Tak Province, Thailand, to Bukit Kayu Hitam.
“This operation is part of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' ongoing efforts to protect the welfare of Malaysians overseas, especially those who fall victim to online and employment scam syndicates.”
“The success of this operation depended on close multi-agency cooperation, including the Ministry of Home Affairs, Royal Malaysia Police, Malaysian Immigration Department, Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS), Malaysian embassies in Bangkok and Yangon, as well as the Consulate General in Songkhla.”
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs extends its highest gratitude to the governments of Thailand and Myanmar for their steadfast cooperation in assisting and expediting the return of the 31 Malaysian citizens.”
The Ministry will continue to safeguard the welfare of Malaysians overseas and, through its diplomatic missions, provide consular assistance to any Malaysian in need.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs extends its highest gratitude to the governments of Thailand and Myanmar for their steadfast cooperation in assisting and expediting the return of the 31 Malaysian citizens.”
The Ministry will continue to safeguard the welfare of Malaysians overseas and, through its diplomatic missions, provide consular assistance to any Malaysian in need.