Malaysia and Singapore have signed a new memorandum of understanding (MOU) aimed at enhancing cooperation in the fight against cross-border crimes such as human trafficking, drug smuggling, and cybercrime.
The MOU, titled Cooperation in Preventing and Combating Transnational Crimes, was signed on Thursday, November 14, by Malaysia’s Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail and Singapore’s Minister for Home Affairs and Law, K. Shanmugam. The signing took place in Singapore.
According to Saifuddin Nasution, the new MOU updates and expands upon existing agreements between the two countries, with a particular focus on the growing issue of cybercrime. This expansion reflects the increasing importance of digital crime in current security concerns.
The Home Ministry reported that discussions between the two ministers also emphasized the need for stronger bilateral security cooperation, particularly in managing cross-border crime and addressing immigration and policing challenges.
During his visit, Saifuddin and the Malaysian delegation received a briefing from Singapore’s Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) and toured the Woodlands Checkpoint. The visit was intended to provide insights into Singapore’s advanced border control systems, particularly in the use of technology to manage cross-border traffic more efficiently.
Additionally, the delegation visited the Anti-Scam Centre (ASC) and the Interpol Cybercrime Directorate to learn about the latest approaches and technologies being used to combat online fraud.
Before his official meetings, Saifuddin took the opportunity to engage with the Malaysian community in Singapore, hosting a meet-and-greet session followed by a dinner.
The Malaysian delegation, which included Home Ministry Deputy Secretary-General (Policy and Control) Datuk Makhzan Mahyuddin, is set to return to Malaysia on Thursday. – Bernama