Malaysia repatriates nearly 1,500 Myanmar nationals despite safety concerns

Malaysia has begun repatriating nearly 1,500 Myanmar nationals, in what the government has described as a "voluntary return programme". It is the first phase of a wider plan that could see the repatriation of up to 5,000 people. Those sent home include women and children from 14 immigration detention centres. It's unclear whether any Rohingya refugees were involved. Malaysia says the repatriation is part of efforts to tackle irregular migration and manage undocumented foreign nationals, but rights groups say those being deported could face detention, persecution or military conscription. The UN refugee agency has also warned that conditions in Myanmar do not support safe and sustainable return. Melissa Goh reports from Kuala Lumpur and Leong Wai Kit reports from Hanoi.