Malaysia has expressed deep concern over the heavy responsibility Bangladesh bears in sheltering more than one million Rohingya refugees, stressing the urgent need for peace in Myanmar and the resumption of repatriation efforts.

Speaking at a joint press conference in Putrajaya with visiting Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim called the situation concerning and reiterated that resolving the crisis is a great priority for the region.

On the regional issues, of course, we are concerned with the burden placed on Bangladesh on having to cater for enormous numbers of Rohingya, Anwar said, according to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha.

The Rohingya influx began on Aug 25, 2017, when a military crackdown in Myanmar’s Rakhine State forced 750,000 people to flee to Cox’s Bazar, joining 400,000 already living there. While Myanmar agreed later that year to take them back under a repatriation deal, repeated attempts to return refugees stalled amid mistrust, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the 2021 military coup.

Chinese-brokered talks also collapsed as armed conflict escalated, with the Arakan Army seizing control of key border areas. Myanmar recently verified 180,000 names from Bangladesh’s list of 800,000 for return, with 70,000 more under review, but the plan has been halted by renewed fighting.

During a visit to Cox’s Bazar in March, UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged the international community to maintain pressure for safe, dignified, and voluntary repatriation, warning that prolonged displacement could worsen regional instability.

Anwar said Malaysia’s foreign minister will soon travel to Myanmar with counterparts from Indonesia, the Philippines, and Thailand to advocate for an end to ethnic persecution and to push forward humanitarian aid for both refugees and disaster-hit communities.

Praising Bangladesh’s diplomacy, he reaffirmed Dhaka’s role as a key partner and highlighted the contributions of Bangladeshi workers to Malaysia’s development. He also announced plans to introduce multiple-entry visas for Bangladeshi workers, allowing family visits and improved job security.

Calling Yunus a great friend, Anwar lauded his global contributions to peace, microfinance, and education, noting his ties to Malaysia’s Albukhary International University. He expressed hope that Bangladesh would continue progressing toward peace and development while the region works to secure a lasting solution for the Rohingya crisis.