Melaka: The ASEAN Plan of Action in Combating Transnational Crime 2026-2035 is expected to be endorsed at the 19th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Transnational Crime (AMMTC) here. Home Ministry International Division undersecretary Azlan Razali highlighted the significance of the meeting as the current plan for 2016-2025 concludes at the end of this year.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the series of meetings will commence with the Senior Officials Meeting on Transnational Crime (SOMTC) and proceed to the main ministerial session chaired by Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail. Key initiatives to be finalised include the establishment of the SOMTC Working Group on Money Laundering, the adoption of the ASEAN Border Management Cooperation Roadmap, and landmark declarations such as the Melaka Declaration on Combating Transnational Crime.

Azlan stated that ministers are expected to endorse several ASEAN Leaders' Declarations covering cross-border law enforcement, money laundering prevention, and creative initiatives through sports to curb violent extremism. Additionally, the meeting will provide an opportunity to strengthen political support for Timor-Leste's accession to ASEAN.

Timor-Leste is currently finalising legal steps to accede to the ASEAN Convention on Counter Terrorism and the ASEAN Convention Against Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children. This is part of its journey towards full membership, expected to be formalised at the 47th ASEAN Summit in October.

Melaka has become the regional focal point this week as ASEAN ministers and senior officials responsible for security and transnational crime gather for the 19th AMMTC and related meetings. These meetings are being held in conjunction with Malaysia's ASEAN Chairmanship 2025 under the theme 'Inclusivity and Sustainability', reflecting the country's commitment to building a safer and more prosperous ASEAN community.