BEIJING: Cross-border investigations and the recovery of assets stolen through cyber scams are among Malaysia's key priorities in strengthening security cooperation with China, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
He said closer bilateral cooperation would help both countries tackle transnational crime while delivering practical benefits under their comprehensive strategic partnership, particularly in security and law enforcement.
"We face several challenges in dealing with cyber scams, as the victims are not limited to Chinese nationals.
"That is why I believe bilateral cooperation between our countries is crucial in addressing this problem," he told Malaysian media at a press conference here today.
Zahid is on a five -day working visit to Beijing and Tianjin, which began yesterday.
He said Malaysia and China were also strengthening intelligence sharing and coordinating investigations and enforcement operations to combat cross-border crime.
Both countries had established a joint security committee, which also focuses on combating drug smuggling.
"Besides intelligence sharing and enforcement, we are adopting new methods to obtain early information on drug smuggling operations and facilities used to process illicit drugs.
"These efforts are already under way and will be further strengthened," he said, adding that cooperation between the police and China's National Narcotics Control Commission remained close.
Zahid said Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail had held several discussions with his Chinese counterpart on the matter.
He said Malaysia, through the Drug Prevention Committee, which he chairs, recognised the importance of cross-border cooperation, with both countries making progress in their efforts.
On cyber scams, Zahid said Malaysia joined a programme under the International Alliance Against Telecommunications and Cyber Fraud on Sept 10, with cross-border investigations and the recovery of stolen assets identified as priorities.
"To strengthen the legal framework against cybercrime, I personally tabled the Cybercrime Bill in the Dewan Rakyat during the parliamentary sitting last July," he said.
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