Consul General of Malaysia to Melbourne, Dato’ Dr. Mohamad Rameez Yahaya, said there has been a significant number of drug cases involving Malaysians in Melbourne.
The Malaysians in custody are usually in their late teens to thirties. Flipping through his folder of notes, Dato’ Dr. Rameez listed drug cases, the importation of illegal materials and gangster fights as a few of the illicit activities that have been reported by the authorities.
Dato’ Dr. Rameez, Consul General of Malaysia to Melbourne
“(One of the most) important thing we have to do is to inform their next of kin,” stated Dato’ Dr. Rameez.
He assured that the Consulate would also consult with the apprehended Malaysians in order to figure out the best way the Consulate can provide assistance to them. For example, he will provide them with a Malaysian lawyer learned in the Australian legal system and culture to ensure that proceedings are able to progress as timely and efficiently as possible.
According to lawyer Vicknaraj Thanarajah, an Australian lawyer born in Malaysia who is usually recommended by the Consul General, he has been handling as many as 6 cases involving Malaysians in the past year. However, there would be more people who do not seek help from the Consulate, and would not be known to Mr. Thanarajah as well.
“Sometimes the perception people have about the Consulate General here in Melbourne is that we only deal with consular affairs, such as passports, visas, birth certificates and marriage registration,” said Dato’ Dr. Rameez.
“Most importantly, we provide Consular affair assistance for Malaysians who are stranded here in Melbourne,” Dato’ Dr. Rameez said.
Dato’ Dr. Rameez, however, urged all Malaysians to refrain from being involved in illegal conduct when in Australia.
“If you have been caught, think about your family,” he cautioned.
According to Mr. Thanarajah, there is currently a Malaysian suspected drug mule who would be released soon from months of custody after being found not guilty. However the reason why he was arrested was something worth pondering, which will be explored in one of JOM’s future articles.
http://jommagazine.com.au/malaysian-drug-traffickers-worry-melbourne/