Nearly half of M’sians currently detained abroad held over drug offences

Nearly half of the 3,322 Malaysians detained overseas as of September were arrested for drug-related offences, the Dewan Rakyat was told today.

Deputy foreign minister Lukanisman Awang Sauni said 1,588 Malaysians were arrested over such offences this year, accounting for about 48% of the total.

He said the number rose from 1,181 in 2024 to 1,303 last year, and increased by another 285 to 1,588 this year.

Indonesia recorded the highest number of Malaysians detained over drug-related offences at 381, followed closely by China (380), Singapore (310), Thailand (102) and Japan (72).

Lukanisman said Malaysians had been arrested over drug-related offences in 40 countries.

He was responding to Doris Sophia Brodi (GPS-Sri Aman), who asked about Malaysians detained or charged abroad for drug offences over the past five years, as well as the effectiveness of airport security checks.

Lukanisman said drug syndicates were using increasingly sophisticated methods to move drugs across borders, including hiding them in modified luggage and shoes.

He acknowledged that the number of Malaysians arrested abroad raised concerns about weaknesses in border security.

“This shows that there are flaws at our entry and exit points, particularly at airports,” he said.

However, Lukanisman said airport scanning technology was the home ministry’s responsibility, and expressed confidence that the relevant enforcement agencies would take steps to improve security.

Lukanisman said Wisma Putra’s main role was to provide consular assistance to Malaysians detained abroad, including protecting their welfare and informing their families.

He also said Malaysia was discussing prisoner transfers with countries such as Thailand and Indonesia, and working with Asean to strengthen efforts against cross-border drug syndicates.

Lukanisman urged Malaysians travelling abroad to register with Wisma Putra’s e-Konsular system and warned against offers of money or jobs that could turn them into drug couriers.

On Oct 21, Bukit Aman said 72 Malaysians had been arrested overseas in 48 suspected drug cases between January and Oct 15 this year.

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