STATEMENT BY
MR. AZRIL ABD AZIZ
DEPUTY PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF MALAYSIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS
DURING THE GENERAL DISCUSSION ON
AGENDA ITEM 109: CRIME PREVENTION AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE
AGENDA ITEM 110: COUNTERING THE USE OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGIES FOR CRIMINAL PURPOSES
AGENDA ITEM 111: INTERNATIONAL DRUG CONTROL
THIRD COMMITTEE OF THE 77TH UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY
UNITED NATIONS, NEW YORK, 3 OCTOBER 2022
Mr. Chair,
At the outset, Malaysia wishes to align itself with the statement delivered by Singapore on behalf of ASEAN.
Mr. Chair,
2. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic and the imposition of lockdown measures, the advancement of technologies has allowed new forms of crimes to emerge, in particular in the cyber sphere. Criminals, be it individuals or organisations, are transitioning into the virtual realm as people become increasingly reliant on digital technologies in their daily lives. Technologies have enabled criminal activities to be conducted beyond national borders and jurisdiction. The socioeconomic hardships as a result of the pandemic have also increased the susceptibility of vulnerable segments of the population to exploitation by criminals. Malaysia regrets that a number of our nationals had fallen prey to online job offer scams, resulting in them being stranded or detained in neighbouring countries.
3. At the same time, illicit drug use and trafficking continue to pose a serious transnational threat, challenging the stability, security and sovereignty of States. The pandemic has resulted in an increase in linkages between drug trafficking and other transnational organised crime syndicates. These are issues of grave concern which warrant concerted actions at the national, regional and international level.
Mr. Chair,
4. Malaysia regularly reviews and updates its laws and policies in order to cope with the evolving nature of criminal activities. These include enacting laws and policies to combat transnational organised crime. In 2021, Malaysia’s crime rate decreased by 19.3 percent to 52,974 cases as compared to 65,623 cases in 2020, as a result of a “whole-of-government” approach in crime prevention and criminal justice, as well as close collaboration with non-governmental and civil society organisations.
5. On the issue of drugs, Malaysia adopts a multi-dimensional approach in tackling the problem. While stringent measures are undertaken to address drug supply-related matters, the Government also ensures the provision of treatment, rehabilitation, care, and reintegration for drug dependents. Malaysia has also formulated a balanced prevention strategy, which targets 155 high-risk drug addiction areas in the country, with a view to transforming them into safe zones within five (5) years.
Mr. Chair,
6. It is important to recognise that national efforts to combat crime and drugs must be supplemented with regional and international cooperation. Malaysia underscores the need to enhance international cooperation by sharing best practices and experiences, conducting regular exchange of information and intelligence, and capacity building. We stress the importance of comprehensive strategies, strong coordination and integration between security and law enforcement agencies at the national, regional and international level.
7. Malaysia appreciates and supports the valuable work of the United Nations Office for Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in supporting Member States’ efforts on drugs, crime prevention and criminal justice. We remain committed to the relevant international instruments on these issues, amongst others the UN Convention on Transnational Organised Crime (UNTOC), the three International Drug Control Conventions, as well as regional and bilateral agreements to which we are Party to. At the ASEAN level, Malaysia is looking into a proposal to set up a special committee to resolve the issue of Malaysians falling victim to overseas job opportunity scams. We are also supportive and actively participating in the ongoing work of the Ad Hoc Committee to elaborate a UN cybercrime convention.
8. In conclusion, Malaysia stands ready to strengthen collaboration in combating crime and drugs, towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals as well as ensuring international peace and security.
Thank you.