Beijing:Malaysia Cross-border investigations and the recovery of assets stolen through cyber scams are key priorities for Malaysia as it seeks to strengthen security cooperation with China, stated Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ahmad Zahid emphasized that enhanced bilateral collaboration will aid both nations in tackling transnational crimes, delivering tangible benefits through their comprehensive strategic partnership, particularly in security and law enforcement. He highlighted the challenges faced in dealing with cyber scams, noting that victims are not confined to Chinese nationals, underscoring the importance of cooperation between the two countries.

During his five-day working visit to Beijing and Tianjin, Ahmad Zahid, who also serves as Rural and Regional Development Minister, discussed the strengthening of intelligence sharing and the coordination of investigations and enforcement operations to combat cross-border crime. Malaysia and China have established a joint security committee that also targets drug smuggling.

Efforts to enhance intelligence sharing and enforcement are underway, with new methods being adopted to gather early information on drug smuggling operations and facilities used for processing illicit drugs. Ahmad Zahid noted that the cooperation between Malaysian police and China's National Narcotics Control Commission remains strong. Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail has also engaged in discussions with his Chinese counterpart regarding these issues.

In the fight against cyber scams, Malaysia joined the International Alliance Against Telecommunications and Cyber Fraud on September 10. Cross-border investigations and stolen asset recovery have been identified as priorities. Ahmad Zahid mentioned that he personally tabled the Cybercrime Bill in the Dewan Rakyat during the parliamentary session last July to strengthen the legal framework against cybercrime.