SHANGHAI: Malaysia has expressed its commitment to forging robust security partnerships worldwide, in an effort to encourage more countries to collaborate and enhance coordination mechanisms to combat transnational crime more effectively.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said addressing modern security threats requires innovative and collaborative strategies, as crimes such as human and drug trafficking, cybercrime, and money laundering pose significant challenges to governments around the world.
"For example, to effectively tackle human trafficking, we must strengthen international cooperation through platforms like Aseanapol to develop and implement strategies in combating this serious issue.
"Addressing transnational crime requires more than national efforts…it demands strong international collaboration.
"Law enforcement agencies, governments, and international organisations must share intelligence, reinforce legal frameworks, and build capacity to effectively tackle these cross-border threats," Zahid said in his keynote address at the Global Public Security Cooperation Forum Lianyungang (GPSCFL) 2024, in Lianyungang City, Jiangsu Province, China today.
Zahid led the Malaysian delegation to present the country's views at the forum, which was also attended by more than 50 countries.
Accompanying him was Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
Zahid added that transnational criminals which exploit modern technology and global trade routes requires a swift response from all nations.
"Our response must be swift, coordinated, and united. We cannot afford to work in silo.
"We need to invest in cutting-edge technologies, strengthen cross-border information sharing, and build strong partnerships to counter these criminal networks," he said.
To explain the severity of these transnational crimes, Zahid said, these criminal networks are raking in profits between US$1.6 trillion (RM6.95 trillion) and US$2.2 trillion (RM9.56 trillion) annually.
On a related matter, Zahid said Malaysia and China signed an agreement in June this year to enhance cooperation in preventing and combating transnational crime.
He said the agreement will see the two countries strengthening cooperation in the sharing of terrorism-related intelligence, border controls, and combating telecommunications fraud, online gambling, drug trafficking, smuggling, and money laundering.
"We have proposed the setting up of a Working Group for the National Security Framework to strengthen and enhance enforcement capabilities as well as cross-border cooperation.
"Our agreement with China in combating online gambling and illegal gambling is already producing results
"Statistics showed the number of arrests involving Chinese nationals in Malaysia has significantly dropped from 1,225 in 2020 to 79 last year," he said.
In his keynote address, Zahid also praised the efforts and role played by Interpol which remains at the forefront of combating organised crime, particularly terrorism.
"Implementing a global mechanism with high-definition facial recognition and advanced closed-circuit television technology could drastically improve crime prevention efforts by reducing response times and increasing accuracy.
"Such innovation is important for tackling criminal activities more effectively. Strengthening coordination mechanisms is equally important.
"This involves fostering closer cooperation between government agencies, law enforcement, civil society organisations, and private sector partners.
After delivering his speech at the forum, Zahid together with Saifuddin is scheduled to attend a closed-door meeting with China State Counsellor and Public Security Minister Wang Xiaohong.
Zahid, who is also the Rural and Regional Development Minister, is on a working visit to China until this Thursday.
He is also set to attend the Malaysia-China Halal Business Forum here on Tuesday, which will be attended by halal industry players from Malaysia and China.