31 MALAYSIAN VICTIMS OF JOB SCAM SYNDICATES IN MYANMAR SAFELY REPATRIATED

31 MALAYSIAN VICTIMS OF JOB SCAM SYNDICATES IN MYANMAR SAFELY REPATRIATED

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through the Embassy of Malaysia in Bangkok and the Embassy of Malaysia in Yangon, has successfully facilitated the repatriation of 31 Malaysian nationals who were involved in online scam syndicates operating in Myawaddy, Myanmar. The Malaysians were among several foreign nationals rescued by the Myanmar authorities during recent operations to combat online scam activities in the Myawaddy area. The group arrived safely at the Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security (ICQS) Complex, Bukit Kayu Hitam, Kedah, at approximately 6:50pm on 20 December 2025 and were subsequently handed over to the Royal Malaysia Police to assist with further investigations.

The identities of the individuals had earlier been verified by officials from the Embassy of Malaysia in Bangkok during a previous repatriation exercise conducted in early December. Their return could not be facilitated immediately as they were subject to local immigration laws for illegal entry. However, with the efforts and negotiation of the Embassy of Malaysia in Bangkok as well as the assistance of Tak Immigration authorities, the group was released under Thailand's National Referral Mechanism (NRM) on 19 December 2025.

Following their release, the group was received by officials from the Embassy of Malaysia in Bangkok and repatriated overland to Malaysia via Bukit Kayu Hitam. Comprehensive consular assistance was provided, including notification of family members, issuance of temporary travel documents, logistical arrangements, provision of essential supplies, and accompaniment throughout the 26-hour journey from Mae Sot, Tak Province to Bukit Kayu Hitam, Kedah.

This repatriation forms part of the Ministry's continued efforts to safeguard the welfare of Malaysians abroad, particularly those who have fallen victim to job and online scam syndicates. The successful operation was made possible through close cooperation among the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Royal Malaysia Police, the Immigration Department of Malaysia, the Malaysian Border Security Agency (AKPS), the Embassies of Malaysia in Bangkok and Yangon, and the Consulate General of Malaysia in Songkhla.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses its sincere appreciation to the Government of Thailand and the authorities in Myanmar for their strong cooperation in facilitating and expediting the safe return of the 31 Malaysian nationals.

The Ministry remains committed to safeguarding the welfare of Malaysian nationals abroad and, through its diplomatic missions, will continue to provide consular assistance whenever required.

PUTRAJAYA

20 December 2025