Malaysia, UNODC strengthen cooperation to tackle complex transnational crimes, says Saifuddin Nasution

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 28 — Malaysia aims to enhance cooperation with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) through practical, results-driven measures to tackle the increasingly intricate issue of transnational organised crime, stated Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail. The conversation took place during Nasution's final day of his working visit to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, in connection with the 15th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice.

The pair examined the growing complexity of transnational organised crime, particularly the exploitation of digital technology by criminal networks to widen their operations across borders and jurisdictions.

As a strategically situated country within ASEAN, Malaysia acknowledges the gravity of these developments, according to Nasution. The government's strategy encompasses integrated enforcement, prevention of illicit financial flows, and bolstering regional and international cooperation. A more detailed discussion revealed that the meeting also addressed the fight against cyber-enabled organised crime, human trafficking for exploitation, illicit trafficking of contraband, and the misuse of emerging technologies by criminal groups.

Nasution highlighted Malaysia's appreciation for UNODC's ongoing support in building regional capacity, facilitating information sharing, and exchanging best practices. He emphasized that persistent cross-border threats necessitate robust cooperation networks with regional and international partners, fundamental to securing Malaysia's safety.