Nations cannot fight cross-border crime in isolation, says Ahmad Zahid

Zahid Hamidi Facebook picture.

LIANYUNGANG: With most crimes today often committed by international syndicates, countries must recognise this as a common threat and work hand-in-hand to combat it, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

The Deputy Prime Minister pointed out that national efforts alone would not be enough to combat transnational crime; it demands strong international collaboration.

Law enforcement agencies, governments, and international organisations must share intelligence, reinforce legal frameworks, and build capacity to tackle these cross-border threats effectively, he added.

“As criminals exploit modern technology and global trade routes, our response must be swift, coordinated, and united.

“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,” he said at the Global Public Security Cooperation Forum 2024 on Monday. (Sept 9).

With cross-border crime believed to be generating up to USD2.2tril annually, Ahmad Zahid pressed on the need for their networks to be dismantled.

Malaysia and China have enhanced cooperation in preventing and combating transnational crime, through the signing of an agreement that will see stronger collaboration in areas such as terrorism-related intelligence, combating telecommunications fraud, online gambling, drug trafficking and money laundering, he said.

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Pointing to the seriousness of online and illegal gambling, the Deputy Prime Minister said it has become a pressing global issue, threatening public safety and financial stability.

The rise of digital platforms and ease of cross-border transactions have intensified these challenges, making it difficult for individual nations to tackle them alone, he said.

“Malaysia shares this concern and is equally committed to tackling the growing issue of illegal gambling.

“Many Malaysians have fallen victim, and some have become conduits or mules for these criminal networks,” he said.

Ahmad Zahid said Malaysia’s agreement with China to combat online gambling and illegal gambling has already shown results.

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The number of arrests of Chinese nationals in Malaysia has declined from 1,225 cases in 2020 to 79 in 2023.

Looking ahead, Interpol must remain at the forefront of combating organised crime, particularly terrorism, the Deputy Prime Minister said.

Implementing a global mechanism with high-definition facial recognition and advanced CCTV technology could improve crime prevention, he said, adding that innovations are vital for effectively curbing criminal activities.

“ Strengthening coordination mechanisms is also key. Effective coordination allows us to address security threats more efficiently and precisely,” he said.