Cybercrime, human trafficking among key issues at AIPACODD meeting
KUANTAN: Tackling drug threats, cybercrimes, and human trafficking, which are among the most pressing transnational challenges facing Asean nations, will top the agenda at the 8th Meeting of the Asean Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) Advisory Council on Dangerous Drugs (AIPACODD) 2025, which begins here today.
AIPACODD, which brings together lawmakers from all 10 Asean member countries, aims to establish clear benchmarks, conduct peer reviews of national strategies, and create mechanisms for real-time intelligence sharing.
Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul, who also serves as AIPA President, described the meeting as a platform to forge concrete parliamentary commitments, enabling lawmakers to propose bold legislative innovations and share successful interventions.
"We are no longer combating cross-border crimes as individual nations, but collectively as Asean, through stronger cooperation, exchange of ideas, and improved legal frameworks.
"AIPACODD must evolve in line with the changing modus operandi of modern criminal networks. These crime challenges are no longer isolated incidents but part of a wider organised ecosystem that transcends borders and sectors.
"The resolutions made here will not merely be words on paper, but blueprints for parliamentary action across our region. Our words must translate into legislation that empowers, programmes that heal, and cooperation that transcends boundaries," he told reporters after opening the 8th AIPACODD meeting at a hotel here today.
Johari described the regional drug menace as a serious threat, noting that syndicates are becoming increasingly innovative and using tactics that defy conventional understanding.
"Today, some syndicates operate out of small-sized factories or even luxury bungalows. We must be prepared to confront these emerging threats with up-to-date tactics and dynamic responses to swiftly curb the drug menace.
"AIPACODD enables lawmakers to share how their respective countries have tackled these issues. For example, if a particular method proves effective in one country, others can adopt similar approaches to address their own challenges.
"There are non-governmental organisations who claim that drug addicts should receive medical treatment and that mandatory penalties for traffickers are too harsh.
"They advocate alternative approaches to dealing with drug issues. This remains an ongoing debate," he said.
Johari also raised concerns about cybercrime and human trafficking in the region, particularly cases involving Malaysians being lured into scam operations and the trafficking of Rohingya victims into the country.
"We understand some of these are long-standing issues, but they must be addressed with modern solutions.
"This meeting allows Asean member countries to enhance policy monitoring, improve information sharing, and deepen regional cooperation," he said.
Johari added that any resolutions deemed suitable by AIPACODD would be brought before Parliament and reviewed by the Parliamentary Special Select Committee.
"If appropriate, the proposals will be tabled and debated, and may also be discussed at the Asean Secretariat level," he said.
Also present were AIPA secretary-general Siti Rozaimeriyanty Abdul Rahman, Dewan Rakyat Deputy Speaker Datuk Dr Ramli Mohd Nor who also serves as chairperson of the 8th AIPACODD meeting and Pahang State Assembly Speaker Datuk Seri Mohd Sharkar Shamsudin.
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