Kuala lumpur: Malaysia and Cambodia have agreed to strengthen cooperation in combating cross-border drug trafficking and enhancing regional security. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the agenda was discussed during a meeting with the Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Neth Savoeun in Phnom Penh today.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the meeting provided an important platform to review the progress of existing cooperation and to chart new initiatives aimed at strengthening bilateral ties in strategic areas, including law enforcement, cross-border drug prevention, rehabilitation, youth protection, and regional security collaboration, as stated by Dr Ahmad Zahid in a Facebook post today.

During the meeting, Ahmad Zahid highlighted Malaysia’s approach to fighting drugs, which now emphasises rehabilitation. This approach includes the operation of active rehab centres, technical training through the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), and various community initiatives to eliminate social stigma against former addicts.

He mentioned that Cambodia expressed interest in collaboration, particularly through training, the exchange of expertise, and visits to rehabilitation centres such as the Narcotics Addiction Rehabilitation Centres (PUSPEN). Ahmad Zahid conveyed optimism that this agreement would create opportunities for more dynamic cooperation in tackling shared challenges, directly benefiting both Malaysians and Cambodians, while enhancing regional security and stability.

Ahmad Zahid is currently in Cambodia for a three-day working visit from October 13 to 15. His visit includes attending the 13th ASEAN Ministers’ Meeting on Disaster Management, the 14th Meeting of the Conference of Parties (COP) to the ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response, and related meetings.