MELAKA, Sept 11 (Bernama) -- A series of consultations with Dialogue Partnersheld on the final day of the 19th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Transnational Crime (19th AMMTC) in Melaka concluded the meeting with a strong reaffirmationof ASEAN's commitment to strengthening regional security cooperation.

During the 15th AMMTC + 3 Consultation, co-chaired by Malaysia with China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea, a specific focus was placed on the threats of cyber crime and online fraud. Issues of border management and immigration were also a key agenda, with an emphasis on the need to expand practical cooperation on the ground.

The 12th AMMTC + China Consultation, co-chaired by Malaysia withChina, highlighted the importance of the full implementation of the SOMTC+ China Work Plan (2024–2028). The meeting was jointly chaired by The Honourable Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution bin Ismail, Minister of Home Affairs, and His Excellency Wang Zhi zhong, Vice Minister of Public Security and Commissioner of the National Immigration Administration, People's Republic of China.

At the same time, the 10th AMMTC + Japan Consultation reaffirmed the commitment of ASEAN and Japan through the SOMTC + Japan Work Plan on Cooperation to Combat Transnational Crime (2023–2027). This meeting was co-chaired by His Excellency Goh Pei Ming, Minister of State for the Ministry for Home Affairs, Singapore, and His Excellency Manabu Sakai, Chairman of the National Public Safety Commission, Japan.

Meanwhile, the 6th AMMTC + ROK Consultation saw ASEAN and the Republicof Korea welcome the drafting of the SOMTC + ROK Work Plan (2026–2028), which aligns with the ASEAN-ROK Joint Vision Statement for Peace, Prosperity and Partnership. This meeting was co-chaired by Pol. Maj. Gen. Voravat Amornvivat, Deputy Commissioner of Special Branch, Royal Thai Police, Thailand, and His Excellency Jin Soo Lee, Vice Minister of Justice, Republic of Korea.

All of these consultations emphasised the importance of strengthening law enforcement cooperation, enhancing information exchange, building regional capacity, and preparing to face new and more complex threats. The four meetings resulted in joint statements that outline a concrete path to strengthen ASEAN–Dialogue Partner cooperation in combating transnational crime.

Overall, ASEAN recorded significant achievements as the Ministers and the ASEAN Secretary-General, who convened at the 19th AMMTC, reached an agreement to continue strengthening regional security cooperation. The meeting, chaired by Malaysia, saw the endorsement of the ASEAN Plan of Action in CombatingTransnational Crime (2026–2035), a document that will be ASEAN's main guide for addressing the challenges of transnational crime over the coming decade. This endorsement signifies ASEAN's collective commitment to keeping pace with the increasingly complex threat landscape.

In addition, the meeting also agreed to establish the SOMTC Working Grouponmoney laundering as a new platform to strengthen regional efforts to tackle financial crime. Equally important, the ASEAN Border Management Cooperation Road map was also approved to streamline cross-sectoral cooperation in immigration and border control matters.

Several important declarations were also announced, including the Melaka Declaration on Combating Transnational Crime, as well as ASEAN declarations to address people smuggling, and cybercrime and online fraud. Ministers also endorsed three ASEAN Leaders’ Declarations that emphasise efforts to combat money laundering, cooperation in arresting criminal fugitives, and the initiative to use sports as a tool to build community resilience against extremism. The three ASEAN Leaders’ Declarations will be elevated to the Leaders' level during the 47th ASEAN Summit in October 2025.

The meeting also agreed to extend the ASEAN Plan of Action to Prevent and Counter the Rise of Radicalisation and Violent Extremism (2018–2025) and the Bali Work Plan (2019–2025) until 2026. Both documents are important frameworksfor regional efforts to prevent radicalisation and coordinate cross-sectoral and cross- border actions to address the threat of violent extremism in the ASEANregion.

With these achievements, the AMMTC not only assessed the accomplishments of the past decade but also opened a new, more comprehensive chapter, proving the region's resolve to remain at the forefront of combating increasingly challenging transnational crime.

The symbolic handover of the chairmanship to the Philippines, which will lead the AMMTC in 2026, marked the closing ceremony of the official meeting. Ministers expressed their appreciation to Malaysia for the smooth and effective organisationof the meeting, which took place in the spirit of ASEAN unity and solidarity.

MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS
11th September 2025 

SOURCE: Ministry of Home Affairs

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--BERNAMA