LANGKAWI: MALAYSIA and Australia are joining forces to fight transnational crime. This follows the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) here yesterday to provide cooperation among enforcement agencies of both countries, including policy and legal aspects.
The MoU was signed by Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Australia’s immigration and border protection minister, Scott Morrison.
In a joint statement, both ministers agreed that the MoU would build on the long history of cooperation between Malaysia and Australia on maritime, Customs and home affairs matters such as immigration and trafficking in persons, including countering people smuggling.
The MoU provides a framework to ramp up efforts to combat transnational crime, including terrorism, human trafficking and organised crime.
The ministers agreed on a number of measures to strengthen regional capability against illegal immigration and transnational crime. These include Australia’s support for Malaysia’s Advanced Passenger Screening System and the establishment of a Regional Movement Alert System to combat the use of counterfeit travel documents.
Zahid said the two countries took
an active stance in stamping out transnational crime, which undermined the economic progress and social stability in the region.
“Current international issues have highlighted the importance of having robust bilateral arrangements and combating transnational crime is a critical issue in our region.
“Malaysia values Australia as a regional partner and is excited to enhance bilateral cooperation to counter criminal activities.”
Morrison said the MoU would strengthen Australia’s borders through the sharing of resources and exchanging of information between the nations.
“Malaysia has been an integral partner in regional and bilateral efforts against people smuggling, particularly as it is a transit country for people seeking to reach Australia by boat.
“Today’s (yesterday’s) announcement is testament to our close working relations and our shared commitment to addressing transnational crime and related issues.” Bernama