SHANGHAI, Sept 9 — Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has called on global leaders to further enhance coordination mechanisms among nations to fight transnational crime more effectively.
He said a strong coordination mechanism between nations which involves fostering closer cooperation between government agencies, law enforcement, community organisations and private sector partners is crucial in fighting such crimes.
Zahid added that these crimes are often perpetrated by international syndicates, not isolated local organisations.
As such, an effective coordination would allow all countries to address security threats more efficiently and precisely.
“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.
“Our response must be swift, coordinated, united and we cannot afford to work in isolation. We need to invest in cutting-edge technologies, enhance cross-border information sharing and build strong partnerships to counter these criminal networks.”
Zahid said this when delivering his keynote address at the Global Public Security Cooperation Forum Lianyungang (GPSCFL) 2024, in Lianyungang City, Jiangsu Province, China, today.
He also affirmed that Malaysia is committed to forging robust security partnerships worldwide, extending beyond continents and regions.
“We invite all nations to work with us towards mutually beneficial outcomes and enhance global security.”
Zahid noted that Malaysia and China, for example, have signed an agreement to enhance cooperation in preventing and combating transnational crime in June.
He said the agreement is to strengthen collaboration between the two countries in the areas of terrorism-related intelligence, border controls and combating telecommunications fraud, online gambling, drug trafficking, smuggling and money laundering.
“It also includes training to boost law enforcement capacities in counter-terrorism, criminal investigation and economic crimes,” he said.
Meanwhile, Zahid said Malaysia shares the same concern and is equally committed with China on online and illegal gambling issues. Malaysia has proposed the establishment of a Working Group for National Security Framework to strengthen legal frameworks, enhance law enforcement capabilities and improve cross-border cooperation.
He said the agreement with China to combat online gambling and illegal gambling has already shown results as the number of arrests of Chinese nationals in Malaysia has decreased from 1,225 in 2020 to 79 in 2023.
“This cooperation includes sharing intelligence, coordinating enforcement operations and forming joint task forces to tackle cross-border gambling syndicates effectively.
Looking ahead, Zahid said, it is crucial for The International Criminal Police Organisation (Interpol) to remain at the forefront of combating organised crime, particularly terrorism. As such, he said Interpol should invest in modern policing and advanced equipment.
“Balancing robust security measures with respect for civil liberties is essential and implementing a global mechanism with high-definition facial recognition and advanced CCTV technology could drastically improve crime prevention efforts by reducing response times and increasing accuracy,” the deputy prime minister added.
— Bernama
