Malaysia, Pakistan cadang meterai MoU banteras dadah, kukuh keselataman

Kementerian Dalam Negeri Malaysia, Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, stated that discussions regarding a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on drug suppression took place during his visit to the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) headquarters in Pakistan's capital, Islamabad, the previous day. Saifuddin highlighted that the talks occurred while receiving an orientation from ANF Director General, Abdul Moeed.

He emphasized that the drug threat has become increasingly complex, particularly with the rise of synthetic drugs like methamphetamine and the involvement of organized, transnational criminal networks operating across borders. He noted that Pakistan's direct confrontation with drug flows from Afghanistan makes cooperation with this country crucial for Malaysia, especially as trafficking routes also extend to Southeast and South Asia.

"We cannot address this threat within our national borders or the ASEAN region alone," he said via a Facebook post following his two-day official visit to Islamabad. Saifuddin stressed that in combating sophisticated criminal networks, cooperation between security agencies cannot be limited to paper agreements; information sharing, translating risks into actions, and leveraging international networks to disrupt supply chains are essential.

Malaysia and Pakistan already have a solid operational base for cooperation, with over 28 joint operations carried out together between 2012 and 2018. The focus now is to rejuvenate this collaboration through more active risk-sharing operations, risk-based joint operations, training exercises, and exchange of expertise between the two agencies.

Saifuddin also visited the residence of Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Mohammad Ishaq Dar, where both sides exchanged views on regional and international developments, the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in addressing conflicts, and the need to strengthen cooperation between Muslim nations in tackling current geopolitical and economic challenges.

The discussions also emphasized economic cooperation, such as trade and investment, food security, including potential rice and meat supplies from Pakistan, market access, and efforts to expand people-to-people ties through visa facilitation. Saifuddin shared the outcomes of his discussions with Pakistan's Minister of Home Affairs and Narcotics Control, Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi, including the agreement to establish a Joint Working Group to outline security, drug control, and law enforcement cooperation, as well as the drafting of an International Mutual Assistance in Arrest (IMAA) Agreement between the two countries.

The delegation from Malaysia also visited the National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) headquarters to observe the nation's identity and public registration management ecosystem. They received an orientation from Nadra's Chairman, Muhammad Munir Afsar, on the national identity and biometric database, the use of technology in public service delivery, border management, passport verification, digital identity, and support for legal enforcement.

Saifuddin noted that these discussions opened up opportunities for cooperation and knowledge exchange in digital identity solutions, e-Government, crisis management, and cybersecurity. He believed that this experience would be highly beneficial for the Ministry of Home Affairs' exploration of technology to enhance security and preparedness systems, in line with the efforts of the Madani Government to ensure digital transformation in the public sector, directly benefiting the people.