KUALA LUMPUR: The Home Ministry fully supports the call to set up an Immigration Asean Bloc to further enhance cooperation between its member nations, said Datuk Mohd Azis Jamman.
The Deputy Home Minister said that such a network will enable greater cooperation, with particular emphasis on immigration matters and tackling cross border crimes in the region.
"To make it a success, all member nations should commit towards this goal with one voice," he said in his speech before launching the meeting of Immigration heads on Tuesday (Aug 7).
The strength of this network is that it can function better when all countries work together, rather than just relying on the immigration efforts of one country, he added.
"We fully support the idea of an Immigration Bloc.
"It will be aimed at analysing, accessing and developing information and intelligence held by Asean member states and other law enforcement agencies on organised cross border criminal activity or any related crimes," he said.
Mohd Azis said the Immigration Bloc will include ensuring that there is a coordinated response to organised cross border crimes across Asean countries.
"This bloc will act as a springboard to develop a more cohesive strategy and a structure that can maximise our regional effectiveness against organised criminals who exploit our borders.
"I pledge to personally convey and discuss this idea of an Immigration Bloc to the Home Minister to get as much support as possible to ensure its success," he said.
Later at a press conference, Mohd Azis said he is hopeful that the meeting of Immigration heads will be a stepping stone towards establishing the bloc.
"We are hopeful that there will be a deadline for when it will be realised.
"The ministry strongly pushes and supports this move," he said.
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