KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 837 Malaysians have been detained overseas for involvement in online scam activities as of Nov 8, says Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.
He said the figure only covers online fraud offences and does not include other criminal cases involving Malaysians abroad.
"In the last week alone, as of Nov 8, 837 Malaysians have been detained abroad specifically for online scams. That’s just one category of offence - there are thousands of other Malaysians being held overseas for various crimes, which is a serious concern for us," he told the Dewan Rakyat on Monday (Nov 10).
Mohamad said the high number of detentions could tarnish Malaysia’s image internationally.
"We want to uplift our country’s image, but when so many Malaysians are detained overseas for crimes that damage our reputation, it becomes a challenge," he said.
Of those detained for online scams, 765 were Chinese, followed by 34 Malays, 33 Indians and five from other ethnic groups.
The majority were detained in China, with 545 Malaysians held there - 505 men and 40 women. Another 162 were detained in Singapore, comprising 148 men and 14 women.
Other countries where Malaysians were detained included Japan (34), South Korea (22), India (20), Indonesia (11), and Thailand (10).
Mohamad urged Malaysians travelling abroad to be cautious and to familiarise themselves with local laws.
"We advise all Malaysians travelling overseas to always be alert and to understand the laws of the host country. We want our citizens to be responsible travellers who represent Malaysia well," he said.
He was responding to Wong Shu Qi (PH–Kluang), who asked whether the government planned to work with airlines to provide pre-departure briefings for Malaysians - particularly inexperienced young travellers - to prevent them from becoming victims or participants in online scam syndicates.
Wong also asked how Malaysian missions abroad could assist detained citizens with consular support, welfare and legal rights.
In reply, Mohamad said it could be raised with the Transport Ministry to explore collaboration with airlines and airports.
"We can consider pre-recorded public announcements at airports to remind Malaysians to be careful and avoid being used as drug mules or becoming involved in online scams," he said.
He said Malaysian diplomatic missions provided consular assistance to detained citizens whenever they were officially notified by the host country.
"If informed, our officers will visit the detained Malaysian to check on their condition and determine what help they need - whether to contact their families or arrange for legal assistance. However, this is done based on the individual’s consent," he explained.
Mohamad added that not all countries immediately notify embassies when a foreign national is detained, as some follow strict privacy laws.
"Under the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations 1963, countries are expected to inform our missions if Malaysians are detained, but not all do so immediately," he said.
He noted that cross-border crime, including online scams, had become a serious issue discussed at various international and regional platforms.
"Transnational crime, especially digital and borderless offences, requires close cooperation between countries. This matter has been discussed at Asean meetings and other regional forums, and I understand the Home Ministry is leading follow-up efforts on this," he said.
