KUALA LUMPUR – As of today, a total of 2,742 Malaysians are imprisoned abroad over various crimes, including drugs, fraud, credit card forgery, as well as Customs and immigration offences, the Dewan Rakyat was told.
Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Kamarudin Jaffar said the number is based on the latest information received from Malaysian diplomatic missions abroad.
He said the Malaysian missions abroad provide consular assistance to Malaysians detained in a foreign country, in line with the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations 1963.
“The consular assistance includes notifying the family or next of kin and ensuring the welfare, safety and health of the detainee,” he said in reply to Datuk Seri Richard Riot Jaem (GPS-Serian), who wanted to know the number of Malaysian citizens in jails abroad and the ministry's efforts or measures to assist them.
The deputy minister said Malaysian diplomatic missions also help by providing a list of local legal firms to be appointed by the detainees or their next of kin, if necessary.
Kamarudin said the government is always concerned about the welfare of all Malaysian abroad and stands ready to provide appropriate assistance.
However, he said Malaysian diplomatic missions abroad must also respect the local legal process and should not interfere in the legal affairs of the country.
“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 travel abroad to always be vigilant and understand the rules and regulations of the country and follow them. – Bernama, December 8, 2020
