Malaysia, UNODC strengthen cooperation to tackle complex transnational crimes

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) are enhancing their collaboration to combat the growing threat of transnational organised crime, according to Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail. The two parties discussed this issue during Saifuddin's final day of a working visit to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, which coincided with the 15th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice.

Saifuddin highlighted the complexity of the transnational organised crime landscape, emphasizing that criminals are increasingly using digital technology to expand their activities across borders and jurisdictions. As a nation centrally located in Southeast Asia, Malaysia views these developments as a serious concern. The nation's strategy encompasses integrated enforcement, prevention measures to curb illicit financial flows, and bolstering regional and international cooperation.

During their meeting, Saifuddin and the UNODC regional representative delved into specific issues such as cyber-enabled organised crime, the trafficking of people and contraband, and the exploitation of emerging technologies by criminal networks. Malaysia acknowledges the significance of UNODC's ongoing support to Asean countries through capacity building, information sharing, and exchanging best practices.

Saifuddin underscored that cross-border threats continue to evolve and expand, underscoring the necessity for robust cooperation networks with regional and international partners to safeguard Malaysia's security.