Myanmar’s Min Aung Hlaing lands in Kuala Lumpur for talks on repatriations
The visit comes amid UN and rights‑group warnings that returnees could face danger in Myanmar’s ongoing civil war.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Myanmar’s military leader‑turned‑president Min Aung Hlaing arrived at Kuala Lumpur International Airport at 04:30 GMT on Wednesday, Oct 7, for a two‑day visit that includes talks with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim about the repatriation of thousands of Myanmar nationals.
What happened
State media images showed Min Aung Hlaing touching down at the airport before being escorted to the presidential palace. The Malaysian government announced that the leader’s visit would focus on cooperation to return Myanmar nationals who are currently in Malaysia, a move the country describes as a “direct engagement” with Myanmar.
What the reports add
Al Jazeera noted that the repatriation plan is controversial because the United Nations and rights organisations have warned that returnees could face serious danger amid Myanmar’s ongoing civil war. The outlet also quoted a Malaysian government statement saying the visit “provides the prime minister with an opportunity to sustain his direct engagement with Myanmar.”
The Associated Press, cited by the Winnipeg Free Press, echoed the focus on talks about repatriation and highlighted that the two Southeast Asian nations are working together despite “international criticism of the transfers.” Both outlets stress that the repatriations involve “thousands” of Myanmar nationals.
What was said
“The visit provides the prime minister with an opportunity to sustain his direct engagement with Myanmar,” the Malaysian government said, as reported by Al Jazeera.
The Associated Press reported that the leader “was traveling to Malaysia for talks with its leaders Wednesday, as the two Southeast Asian nations work to repatriate thousands of Myanmar nationals despite international criticism.”
How it came about
Malaysia has been pursuing a policy to send back Myanmar nationals who arrived after the 2021 coup, a stance that has drawn criticism from the UN and human‑rights groups. The current visit marks Min Aung Hlaing’s first trip to Malaysia since the coup, and follows earlier Malaysian efforts to manage the influx of refugees and migrants from Myanmar.
Key facts
- Min Aung Hlaing arrived in Kuala Lumpur at 04:30 GMT on Oct 7, 2026. (aljazeera.com)
- The visit is aimed at talks with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim about repatriating thousands of Myanmar nationals. (aljazeera.com)
- The United Nations and rights groups have warned that returnees could face danger in Myanmar’s civil war. (aljazeera.com)
