ALOR SETAR, Nov 2 — Putrajaya and Islamabad are in talks to coordinate follow-up action over the detention of 130 Malaysians suspected of being involved in online scams in Pakistan, said Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
He added that discussions are being held between the Bukit Aman Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) and Pakistani authorities, following confirmation of the case by his Pakistani counterpart two weeks ago.
“About two weeks ago, I received a phone call from my counterpart, the interior minister of Pakistan, informing me that a number of Malaysians suspected of being involved in online scams had been detained in the country.
“In the same period, Kedah police conducted an operation that led to the arrest of 33 Pakistanis at Kulim Hi-Tech Park (KHTP), along with several Indians.
“I requested that the director of Bukit Aman CCID immediately initiate talks with relevant departments in Pakistan to coordinate actions over this matter,” he told reporters after an aid handover ceremony for taxi, rental car and bus drivers here, officiated by Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook today.
Regarding the 33 Pakistanis detained in the operation at KHTP, he said they have been charged in court.
Previously, the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) confirmed 130 Malaysians had been detained by Pakistani authorities in Rawalpindi over their involvement in a cybercrime syndicate.
Meanwhile, regarding the position of director-general of the Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS), Saifuddin said no discussions have taken place yet about a successor to Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain.
“We have not yet held discussions or looked into the matter. In the case of civil servants, when an incident occurs that leads to an investigation and subsequent charges, there is a set system that must be followed, and such matters are managed by the civil service division. That is the process currently underway,” Saifuddin said.
