PM Anwar Opens 19th Edition Of AMMTC In Melaka

MELAKA, Sept 9 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today graced the opening of the 19th ASEAN Ministers’ Meeting on Transnational Crime (AMMTC) and Related Meetings here.

He arrived at 4.35 pm and was met on arrival by Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail before proceeding to the main meeting venue with ASEAN Secretary-General Dr Kao Kim Hourn and Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh.

The Ministry of Home Affairs, in a statement, said the series of meetings began with the Senior Officials Meeting on Transnational Crime (SOMTC), ahead of the main ministerial session chaired by Saifuddin.

This year’s AMMTC is particularly significant as the ASEAN Plan of Action to Combat Transnational Crime 2016-2025 will expire at the end of the year, paving the way for the adoption of a new action plan for 2026-2035.

“Key initiatives expected to be finalised include the establishment of the SOMTC Working Group on Anti-Money Laundering, endorsement of the ASEAN Border Management Cooperation Roadmap, and crucial declarations such as the Melaka Declaration on Combating Transnational Crime,” the statement read.

Ministers are also expected to ratify several ASEAN Leaders’ Declarations encompassing cross-border law enforcement, prevention of money laundering, and innovative initiatives through sports activities to curb extremism.

The meeting also serves as a platform to bolster political support for Timor-Leste’s ASEAN membership process.

“The country is actively finalising legal measures related to the ASEAN Convention on Counter-Terrorism (ACCT) and the ASEAN Convention Against Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children (ACTIP) ahead of its full membership expected to be confirmed at the 47th ASEAN Summit next month,” the statement added.

The opening ceremony of the 19th edition of the AMMTC was also attended by Home Ministry secretary-general Datuk Awang Alik Jeman, as well as senior officials from the ministry and its agencies.

Melaka is currently the regional focal point as ASEAN ministers and senior officials responsible for security and cross-border crime prevention gather from Sept 8 to 12 for AMMTC and Related Meetings.

The event is being held as part of Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship 2025 under the theme “Inclusion and Sustainability,” reflecting the country’s commitment to building a safer and more prosperous ASEAN community.

-- BERNAMA