Malaysia and China are working to deepen security cooperation through stronger intelligence sharing, joint anti-narcotics efforts and closer coordination in tackling transnational crime.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail proposed that both countries jointly formulate and agree on the Terms of Reference (TOR) for a Security Cooperation Working Group during a courtesy call on China’s Minister of Public Security Wang Xiaohong.
“Following confirmation received on July 16, 2026 regarding the Security Cooperation Working Group, Malaysia proposes that both sides jointly draft and agree on the TOR to clearly define our operational scope and priority agendas.
“We are confident that, through this mechanism, Malaysia and China will further advance cooperation in intelligence exchange, capacity building and joint efforts to address contemporary security challenges such as transnational crime, cybersecurity threats and border management,” he said in a statement.
Saifuddin Nasution said the Home Ministry remained committed to strengthening Malaysia-China security cooperation and appreciated China’s continued engagement and constructive approach.
He said intelligence sharing between China’s National Narcotics Control Commission (NNCC) and the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) had contributed to the seizure of more than 1.03 tonnes of fentanyl citrate during Operations Black Ash and Blackwood in August last year.
“To institutionalise these operational successes, Malaysia proposes setting up a dedicated Joint Working Group Meeting (WGM) between the Narcotics Crime Investigation Department (NCID) and Chinese drug enforcement counterparts,” he said.
On extradition treaty negotiations, Saifuddin Nasution said Malaysia remained committed to finalising an agreement with China following initial discussions in Putrajaya in 2018.
“While the second round of negotiations to be held in China has yet to take place, Malaysia remains fully committed to finalising this agreement.
“We look forward to working closely with the Chinese side to schedule and proceed with the next round of negotiations at a mutually convenient time, as this treaty will serve as a crucial pillar in our legal and judicial cooperation,” he said.
Saifuddin Nasution is part of the Malaysian delegation accompanying Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on his three-day official working visit to Shanghai and Hangzhou at the invitation of the Chinese government.
In Shanghai, he joined Anwar at a strategic engagement involving Bank Rakyat, Alibaba Cloud and Lenovo to explore cooperation in digital technology, artificial intelligence and fintech.
He also attended the opening ceremony of the WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 competition, officiated by Chinese Premier Li Qiang at the National Exhibition and Convention Centre.
