KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 3 — The government is monitoring the welfare of 130 Malaysians detained by Pakistani authorities over suspected links to a cyber scam syndicate, ensuring they have access to food, water and legal aid, said Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni.
He said Malaysian diplomatic representatives in every country are responsible for ensuring Malaysians facing difficulties or detained by local authorities receive appropriate attention, particularly in terms of welfare and necessary assistance.
“So far, all 130 individuals who were arrested have been confirmed to be in good health. They have been provided with food and drink, and we have also offered guidance on the legal avenues available to them,” he said.
He said this when winding up the committee-stage debate on the Supply Bill (Budget) 2027 in the Dewan Rakyat today.
Lukanisman said that of the 130 people, 63 are from Sabah, 55 from Sarawak, five from Johor, three from Kuala Lumpur, two from Selangor, and one each from Penang and Kelantan.
Previously, the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) confirmed 130 Malaysians had been detained by Pakistani authorities in Rawalpindi over their alleged involvement in a cyber crime syndicate.
Yesterday, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said Malaysia and Pakistan are discussing follow-up moves for the Malaysians, who are suspected of being involved in online fraud.
Meanwhile, Lukanisman said the Refugee Registration Document (DPP) card is almost ready, in line with the government’s position that the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) should stop registering refugees in Malaysia.
He said the transition must be systematic due to the large number of registration applications yet to be processed by UNHCR, as well as the need to account for refugees already listed in the commission’s records.
According to him, the DPP demonstrates Malaysia’s ability to register refugees independently, although expanding the programme would be a challenge due to manpower constraints, with only 147 refugees registered since January.
Lukanisman said the government is also urging that UNHCR expedite the resettlement of refugees in third countries, although current volatile geopolitical situations have resulted in many countries tightening their borders and becoming less receptive to refugees.
The Dewan Rakyat sitting resumes tomorrow.
