Shanghai:Malaysia and China are set to enhance their bilateral security collaboration by focusing on intelligence exchange, joint anti-narcotics efforts, and combating transnational crime.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Malaysia's Home Minister, Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, proposed during a courtesy call on China's Minister of Public Security, Wang Xiaohong, that both nations jointly develop and agree on the Terms of Reference (TOR) for their cooperation. The proposal follows confirmation received on July 16, 2026, regarding the Security Cooperation Working Group. Saifuddin expressed confidence that this mechanism would advance cooperation in intelligence exchange and capacity building to address security challenges such as transnational crime, cybersecurity threats, and border management.
Saifuddin emphasized Malaysia's commitment to strengthening security cooperation with China, appreciating China's consistent engagement and constructive approach. He highlighted the success of intelligence sharing between China's National Narcotics Control Commission (NNCC) and the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), which led to the seizure of over 1.03 tonnes of fentanyl citrate during Operations Black Ash and Blackwood in August last year. To build on these successes, Malaysia has proposed establishing a dedicated Joint Working Group Meeting between the Narcotics Crime Investigation Department (NCID) and Chinese drug enforcement counterparts.
Regarding extradition treaty negotiations, Saifuddin stated Malaysia's commitment to finalizing the agreement with China, following initial discussions in Putrajaya in 2018. While the second round of negotiations in China has not yet occurred, Malaysia is eager to proceed at a mutually convenient time, as the treaty is seen as a crucial pillar in legal and judicial cooperation.
Saifuddin is part of the Malaysian delegation accompanying Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on an official working visit to Shanghai and Hangzhou. During the visit, Saifuddin joined the Prime Minister at a strategic engagement session with Bank Rakyat, Alibaba Cloud, and Lenovo to explore digital technology, artificial intelligence (AI), and fintech cooperation. He also attended the opening ceremony of the WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 competition, officiated by Chinese Premier Li Qiang.