Malaysia and UNODC pledge deeper collaboration to combat transnational crime

In Abu Dhabi, Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail met with the UNODC's Southeast Asia and Pacific representative to review the escalating challenges posed by transnational organised crime. Both sides highlighted how criminal groups exploit digital platforms to expand operations across borders, prompting Malaysia to adopt a more integrated enforcement and prevention strategy. The minister stressed the country's central role in ASEAN and the need to disrupt illicit financial networks while enhancing cooperation with international partners.

Discussions also addressed cyber-enabled crime, people trafficking, contraband movement and the abuse of new technologies by criminal syndicates. Malaysia welcomed continued UNODC support for capacity building, data exchange and best-practice sharing among ASEAN members. The joint effort aims to safeguard Malaysia's security amid evolving cross-border threats.