25th ASEAN Meeting Focuses on Combating Transnational Crime

Putrajaya: The 25th ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting on Transnational Crime (SOMTC) and its related meetings centered on discussions about policies, strategies, and initiatives aimed at combating transnational crime. The meetings, held in Putrajaya, Malaysia, spanned from June 23 to June 27, 2025. During the plenary session on June 24, the Acting Permanent Secretary for Security and Law at the Prime Minister’s Office highlighted Brunei Darussalam’s focus on addressing transnational crimes such as cybercrime, illicit drugs, trafficking in persons, and terrorism.

According to Radio Television Brunei, Awang Zulhusam bin Haji Abdul Samad, representing Brunei Darussalam as SOMTC Leader, detailed the nation’s efforts in tackling trafficking in persons. These initiatives include raising public awareness and enhancing the capability of law enforcement and legal agencies to identify and combat human trafficking crimes more effectively.

The ASEAN SOMTC Meeting also included consultations with ten ASEAN Dialogue Partners from June 25 to 26, including Australia, the People’s Republic of China, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Canada, the European Union, New Zealand, the Russian Federation, the Republic of India, and the United States of America. Brunei Darussalam co-chaired the 13th SOMTC with the European Union, underscoring its commitment to addressing the evolving nature of transnational crime. The country emphasized its ongoing collaboration with ASEAN Dialogue Partner Countries to uphold regional peace and stability.