Brunei Darussalam will continue to strengthen initiatives to combat human trafficking with a focus on local context and with the support of ASEAN counterparts, said Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Defence II Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof. He said this at the 17th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Transnational Crime (17th AMMTC) and related meetings in Labuan Bajo, Indonesia from August 20 to 22.
The minister, as Chairman of National Security Committee and Brunei’s AMMTC Leader, delivered a country statement outlining the Sultanate’s key priorities and initiatives to address transnational crime such as terrorism and violent extremism, cybercrime as well as Brunei’s zero tolerance approach to illicit drug trafficking and abuse. He also shared major milestones and challenges in countering human trafficking.
Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi said through commitment as well as collaborative efforts, ASEAN and its member states can overcome any challenges to ensure a peaceful, safe and prosperous ASEAN befitting the theme of Indonesia’s chairmanship this year ‘ASEAN Matters: Epicentrum of Growth’.
The minister, during consultations with the dialogue partners China, Japan and South Korea, recognised the significance of collective efforts in combating transnational crimes, particularly in emerging threats such as online scams and other areas of common concern including maritime security, artificial intelligence and human trafficking. These call for a need to strengthening cooperation to ensure the peace and stability of the region.
The 17th AMMTC and its related meetings was chaired by Chief of Indonesian National Police Police General Listyo Sigit Prabowo as Indonesia AMMTC-Leader and attended by ASEAN ministers and representatives responsible for transnational crime issues. Deputy Secretary General of ASEAN for Political-Security Community Robert Matheus Michael Tene was also present.
Permanent Secretary (Security and Law) at the Prime Minister’s Office Datin Paduka Hajah Nor Hashimah binti Haji Mohammed Taib as Brunei Senior Officials Meeting on Transnational Crime (SOMTC) Leader was also in attendance.
