KUALA LUMPUR – A staggering 40 countries have arrested Malaysian citizens for narcotics offenses, spurred by aggressive international crackdowns and increasingly covert trafficking operations, Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni revealed today.
Speaking during question time, Lukanisman said Putrajaya is actively engaging foreign counterparts to address the issue, as the elevated numbers have triggered heightened scrutiny and tighter border checks on Malaysian travelers abroad.
He warned that syndicates are constantly refining their cross-border smuggling tactics, complicating interdiction efforts and demanding closer intelligence sharing.
“The techniques for smuggling drugs into those countries are growing more sophisticated and diverse,” he said in response to a supplementary question from Datuk Seri Doris Sophia Brodi (GPS-Sri Aman).
Doris Sophia had inquired about diplomatic initiatives within ASEAN and partner nations to dismantle syndicates exploiting locals via fake overseas jobs and paid courier schemes.
Lukanisman told the House that Malaysia intends to leverage ASEAN platforms and upcoming multilateral summits to tighten enforcement against transnational drug rings. While enforcement agencies spearhead preventative operations, Wisma Putra’s role is centered on consular support—ensuring detainees receive due process and keeping their next of kin notified.
Meanwhile, Malaysia is in active discussions with neighboring Thailand and Indonesia to establish bilateral arrangements on prisoner swaps.
The government is engaging ambassadors from both nations to resolve complex legal hurdles through diplomatic channels, following the recent signing of the International Transfer of Prisoners Treaty (ITOP) with Pakistan on Aug 21.
The move addresses queries raised by Dr Halimah Ali (PN-Kapar) regarding negotiations to allow Malaysians convicted overseas to serve out their remaining prison terms on home soil under the International Transfer of Prisoners Act 2012. – October 29, 2026