Collaboration Vital To Address Any Regional Issues : Maris And Tok Mat 

By Rhoma Ahmad Razali

LANGKAWI, JAN 18 (Bernama) -- Thailand and Malaysia emphasised the importance of collaboration in addressing pressing regional and global issues, including human trafficking and ASEAN solidarity.

Foreign Ministers Maris Sangiampongsa and Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan were asked if ASEAN would accept China’s offer to help member countries enhance enforcement efforts to combat online scams.

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Maris acknowledged that discussions were still at a preliminary stage.

"Right now, we haven't gone into detail yet," he told reporters after holding a bilateral meeting with Mohamad on the sidelines of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Retreat (AMM) here today.

“We have discussed the importance of taking action with my good brother. Our goal is to achieve something tangible by the end of the year. If we can make things happen sooner, it will be even better. At least, we aim to make progress within the framework of regional efforts, particularly under Malaysia's leadership in this area."

Mohamad echoed these sentiments, emphasising ASEAN's potential to drive meaningful change in an increasingly complex global landscape.

"Today was just a courtesy call," Mohamad, who is fondly known as Tok Mat explained.

 "Tomorrow, we will touch base on how best we can strengthen the ASEAN family. Looking at the geopolitical and geo-economic challenges around the world, it would be a waste if ASEAN does not work together. This is why inclusivity and sustainability are key themes for us this year."

He continued, stressing the importance of unity: "We must be decisive. ASEAN must act together. Let’s not allow distractions to overshadow our agenda."

The remarks from both leaders underscore their commitment to fostering regional cooperation and addressing shared challenges to ensure ASEAN’s relevance and resilience in a shifting global landscape.

Hundreds of thousands of people are being forcibly engaged by organised criminal gangs for online criminality in Southeast Asia - from romance-investment scams and crypto fraud to illegal gambling - a report issued by the UN Human Rights Office in 2023.

Citing credible sources, the report said that at least 120,000 people across Myanmar may be held in situations where they are forced to carry out online scams, with estimates in Cambodia at around 100,000. 

Other States in the region, including Laos, the Philippines and Thailand, have also been identified as main countries of destination or transit where at least tens of thousands of people have been involved.

-- BERNAMA