KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 837 Malaysians have been detained overseas for online fraud offences as of November this year, the Dewan Rakyat was told today.
Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said the majority of those detained are Chinese, with 765 people, followed by Malays (34), Indians (33), and five from other ethnic groups.
“The highest number of Malaysians detained (abroad) is in China, with 545 arrests involving 505 men and 40 women.
“The second highest is in our neighbour, Singapore, where 162 Malaysians have been detained, including 148 men and 14 women.
“Other cases were reported in Japan (34), South Korea (22), India (20), Indonesia (11) and Thailand (10),” he said in reply to a question from Wong Shu Qi (PH–Kluang).
Mohamad said the situation was worrying, as such cases could affect Malaysia’s image abroad.
“This has become a concern for us because while we are working to build and elevate the country’s image, many of our citizens are being detained overseas for offences that can tarnish Malaysia’s reputation.
“The figure only represents one segment, and we have thousands of Malaysians detained for other offences.
“As such, we advise Malaysians travelling abroad to be cautious, understand the laws of the countries they visit, and to conduct themselves as exemplary citizens and travellers,” he said.
In response to a supplementary question on whether the government would collaborate with airline companies to warn Malaysians travelling overseas about potential scams, particularly for those who may unknowingly become victims or be lured into fraudulent syndicates, Mohamad said the proposal was worth considering.
“The proposal to advise every Malaysian traveller before boarding to be cautious and avoid becoming a victim or being used as a drug mule is a good one.
“We can forward this to the Transport Ministry so that airlines or airports could broadcast recorded announcements reminding Malaysians to stay vigilant,” he said.
On consular assistance, he said such aid is provided once Malaysian embassies are notified by the authorities in the country where the citizen is detained.
“Once informed, our officers will visit the detained Malaysian and ask about their needs, whether they wish to tell their family or engage legal counsel.
“Such legal representation is arranged at the request of the detainee, not by the government.
“At the same time, some countries do provide free legal services for detainees, but this varies, as not all nations practise this.”
He said there are cases where the Malaysian government is unaware of detentions, as some countries uphold individual privacy and human rights, and only inform embassies if the detainee consents.
“As a signatory to the Vienna Convention, Malaysia abides by its principles.
“However, some countries fully enforce individual human rights, which may limit notification to embassies.”
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
