Malaysia has sent home around 10,000 Myanmar nationals since January, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim told parliament on Tuesday.

The repatriation is part of efforts to return refugees who fled Myanmar’s civil war. Myanmar has been in turmoil since a 2021 military coup triggered nationwide fighting, forcing hundreds of thousands across its borders.

Malaysia has taken in around 193,000 refugees from Myanmar, according to UN data. Anwar said hosting them has become a financial burden and a security risk. Malaysia is not a party to the UN refugee convention and regards asylum seekers as illegal migrants.

Anwar said some of those repatriated were flown home on planes arranged by the Myanmar government. Around 1,400 were returned by sea last week under a bilateral arrangement.

He acknowledged concerns from rights groups and lawmakers about the safety of those sent back. He said Myanmar authorities had given assurances that the returnees would not be harmed and would be treated fairly.