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More than half of Malaysians jailed abroad for drug offences

Kamarudin jaffar 180718 tmiseth 09
Deputy Foreign Minister Kamarudin Jaffar says a total of 2,742 Malaysians are jailed abroad for various offences such as drugs and fraud. – The Malaysian Insight file pic, December 9, 2020.
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MORE than half of Malaysians imprisoned abroad are for drug-related offences, said Kamarudin Jaffar. 

“The total number of Malaysians jailed for drug offences are 1,434 while 406 are for fraud,” the deputy foreign minister told Dewan Rakyat during the question and answer session this morning. 

“Another 132 are being imprisoned for credit card fraud, while 89 are for customs-related offences. Another 66 were arrested for immigration issues,” said the Bandar Tun Razak MP.

A total of 2,742 Malaysians are currently imprisoned abroad, said Kamarudin.

Kamarudin was responding to Richard Riot’s (Serian-GPS) question how many Malaysians were being imprisoned abroad and the offences committed. 

Richard also asked whether any of the Malaysians caught were facing capital punishment. 

“While I don’t have the statistics on death penalty now, I estimate that all those imprisoned are for jail terms of varying lengths,” said the Bersatu lawmaker. 

He added that the embassies were helping the imprisoned Malaysians in accordance with the 1963 Vienna Convention.

The aid given included informing their immediate families about their imprisonment and safeguarding their welfare, safety and health, said Kamarudin. 

“The consular will also help to arrange for legal counsel of their choice.” – December 9, 2020.

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