Cybercrime and online scams have officially surpassed traditional threats to become the primary security concern for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). This strategic shift was confirmed by Malaysian Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail at the close of the 19th ASEAN Ministers’ Meeting on Transnational Crime.
According to Saifuddin, ASEAN member states have agreed that cybercrime now poses a greater threat to regional stability than issues like sea piracy and international economic crimes. While these traditional threats are still present, they will no longer be prioritized in future meetings. The rapid rise of online scams and cross-border cybercriminal activity has made these issues the most urgent for regional governments.
New Regional Action Plan
In response to the growing threat, the meeting concluded with the unanimous adoption of a new 10-year strategy. The ASEAN Plan of Action for 2026–2035 is a long-term roadmap that aims to strengthen cooperation among member states in combating transnational crime, with a significant focus on cyber-related issues.
As part of the new plan, the ministers endorsed several regional declarations to formalize cooperation. These documents will serve as a framework for future initiatives and set clear objectives for addressing security concerns, particularly in the areas of combating cybercrime, online scams, and people smuggling.
During the meeting, several new proposals from member states were also highlighted. For instance, Malaysia will lead new regional efforts on anti-money laundering strategies, while Vietnam has proposed enhanced cooperation for locating and deporting criminal fugitives. Indonesia also introduced a proposal to use sports to promote youth engagement and reduce susceptibility to violent extremism. These proposals reflect ASEAN’s willingness to adapt its focus to the changing nature of crime in the region.
Found this article interesting? Follow us on X(Twitter) ,Threads and FaceBook to read more exclusive content we post.
