KUALA LUMPUR: In a concerted effort to combat transnational crime threats, Malaysia and Singapore have reaffirmed their commitment to close cooperation.
A joint statement by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong underscores the imperative of a united front in preventing, detecting, and disrupting these criminal activities that transcend borders.
Although the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Cooperation to Counter Illicit Trafficking of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances has reached its expiration, both nations have concurred on the continuation of their existing collaborative efforts.
"Joint operations between the police from the two countries have successfully dismantled several scam syndicates.
"Singapore and Malaysia stand together against transnational crime and will continue to work closely together in our efforts to combat transnational crime.
"The leaders noted plans to work towards an MoU on preventing and combating transnational crimes," the statement said.
Anwar is on a two-day working visit to Singapore for the 10th Malaysia-Singapore Leaders' Retreat.
The Leaders' Retreat is the highest-level bilateral mechanism between the two countries, held alternately since 2007.
In the joint statement, both leaders underscored the importance of maintaining close defence cooperation given the increasing global security challenges.
They emphasised the importance of continuing both countries' contribution to regional security through knowledge sharing and exchanges at various multilateral initiatives and fora, including the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA), the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) and the ADMM-Plus, the Malacca Straits Patrol (MSP), and the Counter-Terrorism Information Facility (CTIF).
Meanwhile, education authorities from Singapore and Malaysia discuss potential MoUs for higher education studies.
The joint statement mentioned that the MoU will strengthen student and faculty exchanges and encourage the exchange of scholarships between recognised higher education institutions.
"The MoU will also promote the sharing of information and experiences in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and other aspects of higher education, including training programmes for administrators and academic staff".
