3,322 Malaysians detained abroad, including 1,588 over drug offences

KUALA LUMPUR: As of September, 3,322 Malaysians were detained abroad for various crimes, with 1,588 of those cases involving drug offences, according to Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni. The deputy minister noted that the number of Malaysians detained for drug offences has increased over the past three years.

He acknowledged a significant number of arrests, with nearly 1,500 Malaysians convicted for drug offences in 40 countries across the globe, indicating potential gaps or weaknesses in Malaysia's entry and exit points, particularly at airports. Responding to a question from Datuk Seri Doris Sophia Brodi, Lukanisman provided details on the countries with the highest number of detained Malaysians: Indonesia (381), China (380), Singapore (310), Thailand (102), and Japan (72).

In terms of yearly figures, 1,181 Malaysians were detained for drug offences in 2024 and 1,303 in 2025, with an additional 285 cases recorded in the current year, bringing the total to 1,588. Lukanisman emphasized that the Foreign Ministry, through Malaysia's diplomatic missions abroad, works to safeguard the rights and welfare of detained Malaysians.

He highlighted that drug smuggling methods are becoming increasingly sophisticated, including the use of ports and illegal border crossings beyond just airports. The deputy minister also clarified that airport scanning technology is a responsibility beyond the Foreign Ministry's purview, expecting the Home Ministry and empowered enforcement agencies, notably the Malaysia Border Control and Protection Agency (MCBA), to address this issue comprehensively.