ALOR SETAR: Malaysia and Pakistan are working on follow-up action together over the detention of 130 Malaysians suspected of involvement in online scams in Pakistan, says Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
The Home Minister said the discussions involve the Bukit Aman Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) and relevant authorities in Pakistan, following confirmation of the detentions by his Pakistani counterpart about two weeks ago.
“About two weeks ago, I received a phone call from my counterpart, Pakistan’s Interior Minister, informing me that a number of Malaysian citizens suspected of being involved in online scam activities had been detained in that country.
“During the same period, the Kedah police also conducted an operation that led to the arrest of 33 Pakistani nationals at the Kulim Hi-Tech Park (KHTP), along with several Indian nationals.
“Consequently, I requested the director of the Bukit Aman CCID to immediately initiate discussions with the relevant departments in Pakistan to coordinate action on this matter,” he told reporters after attending a ceremony to distribute special financial aid to taxi, rental car and bus drivers yesterday.
The event was officiated by Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook.
Saifuddin Nasution said the discussions were still ongoing, and he expected to receive a report on the matter before determining the next course of action.
On the 33 Pakistani nationals detained during the KHTP operation, he said they have since been charged in court.
Police had earlier confirmed that 130 Malaysians were detained by Pakistani authorities in Rawalpindi over suspected involvement in a cybercrime syndicate.
Meanwhile, Saifuddin Nasution said no discussions had been held on finding a successor to Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain as director-general of the Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS).
He added that any action involving a civil servant under investigation or facing charges must follow established civil service procedures.
“We have not yet held discussions or looked into the matter.
“In the case of civil servants, when an incident occurs that leads to an investigation and subsequent charges, there is a set system that must be followed, and such matters are managed by the civil service division.
“That is the process currently underway,” he said.
