Returnees tell of hiding in fear from Malaysian attackers

Welcomed by family members at Yangon International Airport, most said they did not want to return to Malaysia as the situation there made them fear for their safety. Of the 167, over 80 workers were reportedly working in Malaysia without legal documentation.

One returnee, Hla Myo Tun, said he did not want to go back as the situation in Malaysia was unsafe.

“In some cases, I had to hide myself because of reports of imminent attacks. We also heard there were sword attacks, which mostly targeted Myanmar nationals. I worked there for four years. My boss arranged for me to come back here,” said Hla Myo Tun, from Hinthada, Ayeyawady region.

Fellow returnee Tin Maung San is still considering whether he will return to Malaysia.

“I am also back here, after having taken one month’s leave from my job. I will consider whether I should go back or not depending on the situation” in Malaysia, he said.

Several others told of how Myanmar workers in Malaysia do not dare even to venture out and contact the Myanmar embassy. Another thing preventing them going out onto the street is fear of arrest, as their passports are kept by employers.

Aung Myo Thaik from Taninthayi region said, “I came back as my parents were greatly concerned about my safety in Malaysia. The Myanmar nationals there do not dare go out. 

“I returned home with the money my parents sent me. I was even scared when I went out to buy the plane ticket.”

Aung Chein from Bago Region, who was at the airport to pick up his younger brother, said he would not send him back to Malaysia.

“I have two brothers working in Malaysia. In the past, that country was a good place to work. But now it is a dangerous place for us,” Aung Chein said. “I asked my brothers to come back. Only one has managed to return. I cannot say when the other will come back. I will not send my brothers back to Malaysia, which lacks stability. Even if they want to go back there, I won’t let them. I will make them work here,” he added.

Asia Wings and Air Bagan are providing free flights to transport returnees from Yangon to their homes upcountry, and plans are underway to provide free buses.

A series of attacks targeting Myanmar citizens began on May 30, leaving five dead and at least 11  injured. Most of the incidents occurred in Selayang, where many immigrants reside, the Daily Eleven reported.

Myanmar’s Foreign Ministry contacted the Malaysian Ambassador on June 4, urging the Malaysian government to investigate the violence.

The government also sent a delegation to Malaysia on June 11 to investigate the attacks on migrant workers.

Malaysian police arrested around 1,000 Myanmar nationals in a crackdown against illegal immigrants last week, and 196 Myanmar citizens were detained for having non-valid documents, according to Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Zin Yaw, who was among the visiting delegation.