Over 2,200 Malaysians Detained Abroad This Year, Senate Told

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 19 (Bernama) -- A total of 2,207 Malaysians have been detained across more than 50 countries for various offences between January and November this year, the Dewan Negara was told today.

In a written reply published on the Parliament website, the Foreign Ministry said Malaysian diplomatic missions abroad are actively working to safeguard the rights and welfare of detained citizens.

“The assistance provided includes notifying the detainee’s next of kin in Malaysia, sharing a list of legal firms for reference, and helping secure legal representation.

“Additionally, our diplomatic missions attend court hearings, facilitate the transfer of funds from families to detainees, and conduct regular consular visits to detention centres,” the ministry said in response to Senator Datuk C. Sivaraj's inquiry on the latest statistics of Malaysians detained abroad and the government’s efforts to expedite their repatriation.

The ministry also highlighted that 255 consular visits, both scheduled and unscheduled, have been conducted so far this year.

The ministry added that the assistance provided adheres to the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations 1963 and Malaysia’s foreign policy, which requires respect for the legal systems of host countries and prohibits interference in their judicial processes.

“This principle aligns with Malaysia’s expectation that other nations respect our legal system. Malaysians detained abroad who have been tried, convicted, and sentenced must serve their sentences before any repatriation can occur,” the statement read.

On bilateral agreements for repatriating detainees, the ministry said Malaysia has signed the Treaty of International Transfer of Prisoners (ITOP) with Brunei, Iran, and Ukraine.

“This treaty enables Malaysian prisoners abroad to serve the remainder of their sentences in Malaysia and vice versa for foreign prisoners here.

“However, any transfer remains subject to conditions outlined in the agreements. Discussions to establish new ITOP arrangements with other countries are carefully evaluated, considering bilateral ties, necessity, and the availability of facilities to accommodate transferred prisoners on both sides,” it added.

Even without bilateral agreements, the ministry assured that consular assistance continues to be provided promptly to protect the rights and welfare of detained Malaysians through existing diplomatic ties.

The ministry also urged Malaysians travelling abroad to remain vigilant and familiarise themselves with the laws and regulations of their destination countries to avoid any legal complications.

-- BERNAMA