by Hafizur Rahman
Families of Rohingya detainees in Sittwe say large sums of money have been demanded following the arrest and imprisonment of individuals who were accused of attempting to travel to Malaysia by sea.
According to local residents, on December 24, 2025, Rohingya men, women, and children were arrested by the Myanmar Navy after allegedly attempting to leave by boat. Among those detained were women and children, including two infants under the age of two.
Family members said individuals under 18 were separated from adults after arrest. Underage children were reportedly handed over to Muslim administrative authorities, while adults were sentenced to one month in prison. During this period, women and children were temporarily kept in Rohingya villages before further processing.
A Sittwe resident described one case involving a mother, her breastfeeding infant, and a three year old child. According to the resident, the court released the three year old due to her age. However, the infant remained in detention with the mother, and both were reportedly given a one month prison sentence.
Local sources said that underage children were released on January 3, 2026. On January 13, 2026, a total of 49 detainees, including men and women, completed their one month sentences and were released.
Families allege that during and after the detention period, money was demanded by local officials. According to relatives, 1.5 million kyats was requested for each of two children and two women. In addition, families said they were charged 15,000 kyats per person per day for food expenses.
Community members also claimed that village officials told released adults they must pay 6 million kyats each as a “sentence reduction fee,” despite having completed their one month prison terms.
There has been no official public response addressing these allegations.
Families say the reported financial demands have placed severe pressure on Rohingya households, many of whom are already struggling with restricted livelihoods and limited income. Residents expressed concern that such practices are increasing fear and insecurity within the community.
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