Combating transnational, cyber crimes a key focus for Home Ministry during Malaysia's Asean chair term

PUTRAJAYA: Combating transnational and cyber crimes will be the key focus for the Home Ministry throughout Malaysia's chairmanship of Asean this year, says Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail

The Home Minister said under the country's chairmanship, several clusters have been established, with the Home Ministry actively involved in the security cluster.

"One of our primary focuses is transnational crime, which we approach from three key angles, which is intelligence sharing, capacity building and joint operations," he told a press conference after attending the ministry's monthly assembly here on Monday (Feb 10).

Saifuddin said when dealing with transnational crime, Asean recognises that no single country can tackle these issues alone.

"Effective cooperation is essential, and our partnerships take many forms, but these three areas are the most critical," he added.

Another key focus area is on cyber rime, including online fraud and other digital offenses, said Saifuddin.

According to Saifuddin, the Asean Ministerial Meeting on Security, scheduled for September this year, will be held in Melaka.

"Before the ministerial meeting, preliminary discussions at the senior officer level will take place, focusing on the key agendas I mentioned earlier," he added.

He also noted that the rapid rise in cybercrime is not only a national or regional issue, but a global concern.

"Given this escalating trend, Asean’s security cluster discussions would be incomplete without addressing cybercrime as a top priority," said Saifuddin.