ASEAN Chair’s Statement

on the Airstrike on Mrauk-U Hospital, Western Rakhine State

13 December 2025

 

1.    ASEAN expresses deep concern and strongly condemns the airstrike on Mrauk-U Hospital in Western Rakhine State, Myanmar, on 10 December 2025, which resulted in the death of at least 31 civilians and injured at least 76 more.

2.    Attacks targeting civilians and medical facilities, in violation of international humanitarian law, including the Geneva Conventions of 1949, are unacceptable and inconsistent with the principles enshrined in the ASEAN Charter. 

3.   We extend our deepest sympathy and condolences to the bereaved families of the victims and the affected communities, and wish the injured a quick recovery.

4.   We urge all parties in Myanmar to take concrete action to immediately halt indiscriminate violence, stop targeted attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure, exercise utmost restraint and ensure the protection and safety of all civilians and civilian infrastructure. 

5.   We reiterate the call for the full implementation of an expanded and extended ceasefire throughout Myanmar as reaffirmed by the ASEAN Leaders’ Statement on an Extended and Expanded Ceasefire in Myanmar issued on 26 May 2025.

6.  We further reiterate that the Five-Point Consensus remains the main reference to address the political crisis in Myanmar, and urge for its full implementation to help the people of Myanmar achieve an inclusive and durable peaceful resolution towards the betterment of the people of Myanmar, hence contributing to peace, security and stability in the region.

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MALAYSIA WELCOMES THE ADOPTION OF UNITED NATIONS GENERAL

ASSEMBLY RESOLUTION REAFFIRMING ISRAEL’S OBLIGATIONS IN THE

OCCUPIED PALESTINIAN TERRITORY

 

Malaysia welcomes the adoption of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Resolution on 12 December 2025, which gives effect to the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) Advisory Opinion of 22 October 2025, on the obligations of Israel, as the occupying Power and as a Member State of the United Nations, regarding the presence and activities of the United Nations, other international organisations and third States in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT). The Resolution received overwhelming support from UN Member States, with 139 votes in favour.

The Resolution, led by a group of Like-Minded Countries, including Malaysia, reaffirms the primacy of international law and underscores the international community’s collective resolve to fully and swiftly implement the recent findings of the ICJ in its Advisory Opinion.

Malaysia demands Israel’s immediate compliance with all its legal obligations, including to facilitate, without obstruction, humanitarian relief efforts by UN entities, particularly the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), as well as by International Organisations and Member States; to protect all humanitarian and medical personnel; and to uphold the privileges, immunities and inviolability of the United Nations, its premises, property and officials.

Malaysia will continue to work with the international community to ensure a just, comprehensive and lasting solution to the Question of Palestine, in accordance with international law and relevant UN resolutions.

 

PUTRAJAYA

13 December 2025

20 MALAYSIAN VICTIMS OF JOB SCAM SYNDICATES IN MYANMAR SAFELY REPATRIATED

 

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through the Embassy of Malaysia in Bangkok and the Embassy of Malaysia in Yangon, has successfully facilitated the repatriation of 20 Malaysian nationals who were involved in online scam syndicates in Myawaddy, Myanmar. The group arrived safely at the Bukit Kayu Hitam ICQS Complex at 7.20pm on 10 December 2025 and was handed over to the Royal Malaysia Police to assist with further investigations.

The Malaysians were among several foreign nationals rescued by the Myanmar authorities in recent operations to combat online scam syndicates in the Myawaddy area. With coordination between Myanmar, Thailand, and Malaysia, officials from the Embassy of Malaysia in Bangkok travelled to Myawaddy via the Maesot-Myawaddy Second Friendship Bridge to verify their identities and receive the Malaysians. The group was then escorted back to Thailand in close coordination with Thai authorities in Mae Sot, Tak Province, to arrange for their repatriation by land.

With support from the Embassy of Malaysia in Yangon, officials from the Malaysian Embassy in Bangkok provided comprehensive consular assistance. This included notifying family members, issuing temporary travel documents, arranging transportation, providing essential supplies such as food and face masks, and accompanying the victims throughout their 26-hour journey from Mae Sot to Bukit Kayu Hitam, Kedah.

This repatriation effort follows earlier operations undertaken by the Ministry to facilitate the return of Malaysians trapped in job scam syndicates abroad. The success of this latest operation was made possible through the strong cooperation between the Ministry of Home Affairs, Royal Malaysia Police, Immigration Department, Embassy of Malaysia in Bangkok, Embassy of Malaysia in Yangon, and the Consulate General of Malaysia in Songkhla.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses its sincere appreciation to the Government of Thailand and the authorities in Myanmar for their cooperation in facilitating and expediting the repatriation of the 20 Malaysians.

The Ministry remains committed to safeguarding the welfare of Malaysian nationals abroad and, through its diplomatic missions, will continue to provide consular assistance whenever required.

 

PUTRAJAYA

11 December 2025 

COMMENCEMENT OF OPERATIONS OF THE HONG KONG ECONOMIC AND

TRADE OFFICE IN KUALA LUMPUR ON 10 DECEMBER 2025

 

Malaysia welcomes the commencement of operations of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO) in Kuala Lumpur on 10 December 2025.

HKETO in Kuala Lumpur is the fourth such office established by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) of the People’s Republic of China in ASEAN.

This establishment was first proposed by Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim during the bilateral meeting with HKSAR Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu in July 2023.

The opening of the HKETO in Kuala Lumpur marks a historic milestone that significantly strengthens the robust and positive relationship between Malaysia and the HKSAR.

For the period of January to October 2025, total trade between Malaysia and the HKSAR amounted to RM92.88 billion (USD21.54 billion). In 2024, total trade reached RM105.46 billion (USD23.15 billion), with trade balance favouring Malaysia.

With the operationalisation of the HKETO in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and the HKSAR aim to further enhance cooperation in trade, investment, economic development, and regional collaboration, reinforcing Malaysia’s role as an important partner to the HKSAR in ASEAN.

 

PUTRAJAYA

10 December 2025