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KUALA LUMPUR: As of today, a total of 2,742 Malaysians are incarcerated abroad for various crimes, including drugs, fraud, credit card forgery, as well as customs and immigration offenses, Dewan Rakyat was told.
Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Kamarudin Jaffar (pix) said the number is based on the latest information received from Malaysian diplomatic missions abroad.
He said Malaysia’s overseas missions had a role in providing consular assistance to any Malaysian detained in a foreign country in accordance with the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations of 1963.
“Consular assistance includes notifying the family or closest relatives and ensuring the well-being, safety and health of the detainee,” said in response to Datuk Seri Richard Riot Jaem (GPS-Serian) who wanted to know the latest number of Malaysian citizens imprisoned abroad and the ministry’s efforts or measures to assist them.
The deputy minister said Malaysia’s diplomatic missions could also help provide the list of local legal firms to be named by detainees or their families, if necessary.
Kamarudin said that the government is always concerned for the welfare of all Malaysians abroad and is ready to provide appropriate assistance.
However, he said Malaysia’s overseas diplomatic missions should also respect local legal process and should not interfere in the country’s legal affairs.
“A person arrested in a foreign country must also be prepared to go through the legal process in that country,” he said.
He also advised Malaysians who are or will be traveling abroad to always be vigilant and understand the country’s rules and regulations to avoid getting into trouble. – Called
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