PUTRAJAYA: Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail has described the Asean Ministerial Meeting on Transnational Crime (AMMTC) as not merely a series of meetings, but a strategic platform that brings together ministers to discuss, coordinate and strengthen regional cooperation in combating increasingly complex crime threats.
"The safety of the people and regional stability cannot be shouldered by one country alone, but requires the collective commitment of all Asean members.
"As host, Malaysia not only demonstrates leadership in strengthening regional cooperation, but also ensures that the interests and voices of the people continue to be highlighted in Asean's security agenda," he said.
According to him, such crimes range from organised crime to human trafficking, migrant smuggling, terrorism and extremism, which in turn lead to narcotics, cybercrime and money laundering.
He said that since it was first held in 1997, AMMTC has been the lifeblood of Asean cooperation in addressing transnational crime.
He said AMMTC will be held in Melaka for five days from Sept 8 to 12, with the Home Ministry entrusted with the major responsibility of hosting the meeting as Malaysia chairs Asean this year.
With the theme Inclusivity and Sustainability, he said Malaysia is determined to ensure the outcomes of the discussions are not only relevant but also have a direct impact on the well-being of the people and the security of the region. - Bernama
