JOHOR BAHRU – A total of 204 immigration detainees from various nationalities were repatriated to their respective countries during the first week of August 2026, following the completion of their sentences for offences committed in Malaysia.
The detainees were transferred from the Pekan Nenas Immigration Depot as part of the authorities’ repatriation process for foreign nationals who had completed their custodial sentences.
Indonesian nationals made up the largest group, with 81 detainees sent back to their country of origin. The group also included 72 detainees from Myanmar, 23 from Thailand and 14 from Bangladesh.
Five Pakistani nationals, four Vietnamese nationals and three Indian nationals were also among those repatriated.
The remaining detainees comprised one Dutch national and one Nepali national, bringing the total number of people transferred during the period to 204.
The repatriations were carried out through several major transportation points, depending on the detainees’ respective countries of origin and travel arrangements.
These included Kuala Lumpur International Airport terminals KLIA 1 and KLIA 2, as well as the Stulang Laut Ferry Terminal.
The arrangements were made to facilitate the detainees’ return to their home countries after they had completed the required legal and administrative processes in Malaysia.
Funding for the repatriation travel is provided through several sources, depending on the circumstances of each detainee.
This may include the detainees’ personal savings or financial assistance provided by their family members.
In certain cases, the embassy representing the detainee’s country of origin may cover the cost of the flight ticket for the return journey.
The repatriation process takes place after detainees have completed their prison sentences for offences under Malaysian law.
The offences involved various legislation, including the Penal Code (Act 574), Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 (Act 234), Immigration Act 1959/63 (Act 155) and Immigration Regulations 1963, among other applicable laws.
Completion of a prison sentence does not mean that the individuals concerned are permitted to remain in Malaysia.
Following their repatriation, all detainees who are returned to their respective countries are blacklisted in the Immigration Department’s system.
They are subsequently prohibited from entering Malaysia for any purpose during the specified period under the applicable immigration restrictions.
The Pekan Nenas Immigration Depot also provides a service counter to assist with matters related to detainee repatriation.
Members of the public or parties involved in the process can use the counter for arrangements such as purchasing travel tickets and handling other matters connected with the transfer of detainees.
The Immigration Department stated that no service charge is imposed for these arrangements.
For enquiries concerning repatriation matters, the Records and Transfer Unit at the Pekan Nenas Immigration Depot can be contacted directly at 07-6993540.
Enquiries can also be submitted through the department’s Online Enquiry System, known as SPO.
The latest repatriation exercise reflects the administrative process followed for foreign detainees after they have completed sentences imposed for offences under Malaysian law.
The 204 detainees involved in the first week of August exercise have now been transferred through the designated departure points to continue their return journeys to their respective countries of origin.
