PM Anwar Opens 19th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Transnational Crime in Melaka

MELAKA, Sept 9 (VoM): Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today officially opened the 19th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Transnational Crime (AMMTC) and Related Meetings, underscoring Malaysia’s commitment to regional security and cross-border crime prevention.

Anwar, who arrived at 4.35 pm, was welcomed by Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, ASEAN Secretary General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, and Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh before proceeding to the main venue.

The series of meetings, which began earlier with the Senior Officials Meeting on Transnational Crime (SOMTC), is chaired this year by Saifuddin. The Ministry of Home Affairs noted that the gathering carries special weight as the ASEAN Plan of Action to Combat Transnational Crime 2016–2025 reaches its conclusion, paving the way for a new 2026–2035 action plan.

Key measures on the agenda include the creation of a SOMTC Working Group on Anti-Money Laundering, endorsement of the ASEAN Border Management Cooperation Roadmap, and the adoption of the Melaka Declaration on Combating Transnational Crime. ASEAN Leaders’ Declarations covering cross border law enforcement, anti-money laundering, and community-driven approaches such as promoting sports to prevent extremism are also expected.

The meeting further serves as a platform to strengthen political support for Timor-Leste’s ASEAN membership bid, as the nation finalizes legal steps to ratify the ASEAN Convention on Counter-Terrorism (ACCT) and the ASEAN Convention Against Trafficking in Persons (ACTIP). Full membership is anticipated at the upcoming 47th ASEAN Summit in October.

The opening ceremony was attended by Home Ministry secretary-general Datuk Awang Alik Jeman, senior government officials, and representatives from ASEAN member states.

Running from Sept 8 to 12, the Melaka-hosted AMMTC highlights Malaysia’s role as ASEAN Chair 2025, held under the theme “Inclusion and Sustainability”—a reflection of the region’s shared vision for a safer, more resilient, and prosperous ASEAN community.