Cybercrime and online scams have officially overtaken traditional threats as the primary regional security concern for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). This ASEAN cybercrime threat in focus was confirmed by Malaysia’s Home Minister, Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, at the close of the 19th ASEAN Ministers’ Meeting on Transnational Crime (AMMTC) and Related Meetings, held on September 11.
According to Saifuddin, ASEAN member states have agreed that cybercrime now poses a greater threat to regional stability than sea piracy or international economic crimes. These traditional issues, while not eliminated, are no longer considered top-tier threats.
“Piracy and international economic crime, while still present, no longer pose the same degree of threat. In future meetings, these issues will not be prioritized,” he said during his closing remarks.
The rise of online scams and cross-border cybercriminal activity has made these issues more urgent for regional governments. Saifuddin stated that ASEAN will expand its efforts to address the threat created by the cybercrime industry, especially scams that are not showing any signs of stopping.
New Regional Action Plan to Target Cybercrime and Online Scams in ASEAN
The meeting concluded with the unanimous adoption of the ASEAN Plan of Action (ADOP) for 2026–2035, a 10-year strategy aimed at strengthening cooperation among member states in combating transnational crime. This long-term roadmap sets out a framework for collaboration, information-sharing, and targeted responses to criminal threats, with a sharp focus on cyber-related issues, as reported by The Star.
One of the key initiatives introduced was a new Senior Officials Meeting on Transnational Crime (SOMTC) Working Group on Money Laundering, proposed by Malaysia. The working group is scheduled to convene for the first time in 2026 and will involve input from Bank Negara Malaysia, the Royal Malaysian Police, and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
In addition to the action plan, the ministers endorsed several regional declarations, including:
- The Melaka Declaration on Combating Transnational Crime will act as an overarching framework for future initiatives.
- The ASEAN Declaration on Countering People Smuggling in Southeast Asia.
- The ASEAN Declaration on Combating Cybercrime and Online Scams.
These documents collectively aim to formalize regional cooperation and set clear objectives for addressing security concerns in the region.
Regional Proposal for ASEAN Cybercrime Threat
Several proposals from individual ASEAN member states were also highlighted during the meeting and are expected to be presented at the upcoming 47th ASEAN Summit in October. Among these:
- Malaysia will lead regional efforts on anti-money laundering strategies.
- Vietnam proposed enhanced cooperation for locating, arresting, and deporting criminal fugitives.
- Indonesia introduced a non-traditional approach, advocating the use of sports to promote youth engagement and reduce susceptibility to violent extremism.
These proposals reflect a broader strategic shift toward flexible and varied responses to security threats. Saifuddin noted that ASEAN’s willingness to adapt its focus demonstrates a recognition of the changing nature of crime in the region.
“ASEAN countries believe there are valid grounds to place piracy further down the list and give greater focus to online scams,” he said.
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