ID :
352017
Sat, 12/20/2014 - 05:26
Auther :

Broader Cooperation Between M'sia & Australia For Security, Borders Issues - Home Minister

By Kamarul Ariffin Md Yassin LANGKAWI (Kedah, Malaysia), Dec 20 (Bernama) -- Malaysia and Australia will have broader cooperation in terms of security and border issues, especially in combating human trafficking and serious organised crime. Home Minister Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said both countries were enjoying excellent relations and collaboration, but Malaysia and Australia could collaborate in more areas for the benefit of both countries. He said he had discussed several issues with Australia's Immigration and Border Protection Minister Scott Morrison, especially on transnational crime. "We have discussed how Malaysia's Advance Passenger Screening System (APSS) and the establishment of a Regional Movement Alert System (RMAS) could help us to combat the fraudulent use of travel documents. "We were also discussing matters pertaining to new areas which we would like to collaborate with," he told reporters during the press conference here Friday. Earlier, Ahmad Zahid and Morrison signed a memorandum of understanding (Mou) on behalf of the Malaysian and Australian governments in the field of transnational crime. Ahmad Zahid said both countries would like to translate their exchange programmes, not only to top officials but also to the middle ranking officials where the exposure should be given. He said for a long-term plan, besides APSS and RMAS, whatever responsibilities under Morrison would be supported by the home ministry and any requirement by the (home) ministry, Australia would render excellent support, in terms of sharing knowledge and experience, besides exchange of officials. "I would like to appreciate the good collaboration and cooperation between our Malaysian police and Australian police, as well as immigration officials. They are enjoying their cooperation. "What is important to us, Malaysian and Australian governments, is to translate it (MoU) into action. The details will be discussed during our working committee meeting to be held next year," he said. At the same press conference, Morrison said the MoU marked a new milestone in the tremendous partnership between Malaysia and Australia. "It's not just cooperation when it comes to dealing with issues of people smuggling, human trafficking and transnational crime, but broader relationship between two countries. "Several cases which happened (in Australia) is a reminder of the very real need to work together to combat, whether its terrorism, whether its transnational crime, and all those who take advantage of others for their own gain," he said, adding that Australia appreciated Malaysia's cooperation to achieve its objective. "Issues of transnational crime, human trafficking, sex slavery...these are issues that we know to be very serious in this region. We are very committed to tackling these issues," said Morrison. -- BERNAMA

X