Over 800 Malaysians detained abroad for online scam offences
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox
Malaysia Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan said the figure covers only online fraud offences and does not include other criminal cases involving Malaysians abroad.
PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO FILE
Follow topic:
KUALA LUMPUR – A total of 837 Malaysians have been detained overseas for their involvement in online scam activities as at Nov 8, said Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan.
He said the figure covers only online fraud offences and does not include other criminal cases involving Malaysians abroad.
“In the last week alone, as at Nov 8, 837 Malaysians have been detained abroad specifically for online scams. That is just one category of offence – there are thousands of other Malaysians being held overseas for various crimes, which is a serious concern for us,” he told the Dewan Rakyat, which is the country’s Lower House of Parliament, on Nov 10.
Datuk Seri Mohamad said the high number of detentions could tarnish Malaysia’s image internationally.
“We want to uplift our country’s image, but when so many Malaysians are detained overseas for crimes that damage our reputation, it becomes a challenge,” he said.
Of those detained for online scams, 765 are Chinese, followed by 34 Malays, 33 Indians and five from other ethnic groups.
The majority of Malaysians detained abroad are in China, with 545 held there – 505 men and 40 women. Another 162 are detained in Singapore, comprising 148 men and 14 women.
Other countries where Malaysians have been detained include Japan (34), South Korea (22), India (20), Indonesia (11) and Thailand (10).
Mr Mohamad urged Malaysians travelling abroad to be cautious and to familiarise themselves with local laws.
“We advise all Malaysians travelling overseas to always be alert and to understand the laws of the host country. We want our citizens to be responsible travellers who represent Malaysia well,” he said.
He was responding to Ms Wong Shu Qi, MP for Kluang, who had asked whether the government plans to work with airlines to provide pre-departure briefings for Malaysians – particularly inexperienced young travellers – to prevent them from becoming victims or participants in online scam syndicates.
Ms Wong also asked how Malaysian missions abroad could assist detained citizens with consular support, welfare and legal rights.
In reply, Mr Mohamad said the issue could be raised with the Transport Ministry to explore collaboration with airlines and airports.
“We can consider pre-recorded public announcements at airports to remind Malaysians to be careful and avoid being used as drug mules or becoming involved in online scams,” he said.
He said Malaysian diplomatic missions provided consular assistance to detained citizens whenever they were officially notified by the host country.
“If informed, our officers will visit the detained Malaysian to check on their condition and determine what help they need – whether to contact their families or arrange for legal assistance. However, this is done based on the individual’s consent,” he explained.
Mr Mohamad added that not all countries immediately notify embassies when a foreign national is detained, as some follow strict privacy laws.
“Under the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations 1963, countries are expected to inform our missions if Malaysians are detained, but not all do so immediately,” he said.
He noted that cross-border crime, including online scams, had become a serious issue discussed at various international and regional platforms.
“Transnational crime, especially digital and borderless offences, requires close cooperation between countries. This matter has been discussed at Asean meetings and other regional forums, and I understand the Home Ministry is leading follow-up efforts on this,” he said. THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
