KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 4 — The government is monitoring the welfare of 130 Malaysians detained by Pakistani authorities over suspected links to a cyber-scam syndicate, ensuring that they have access to food, water and legal assistance.
Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni said Malaysian diplomatic representatives in every country were responsible for ensuring that Malaysians facing difficulties or detained by local authorities received appropriate attention, particularly in terms of their welfare and necessary assistance.
“So far, all 130 individuals who were arrested have been confirmed to be in good health. They have been provided with food and drinks, and we have also offered guidance on the legal avenues available to them,” he said.
He said this when winding up the committee-stage debate on the Supply (Budget) Bill 2027 and a motion on the ministry’s 2027 Development Expenditure Estimates in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday.
Lukanisman said that of the 130 individuals, 63 were from Sabah, 55 from Sarawak, five from Johor, three from Kuala Lumpur, two from Selangor, and one each from Penang and Kelantan.
Previously, the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) confirmed that 130 Malaysians had been detained by Pakistani authorities in Rawalpindi over their alleged involvement in a cybercrime syndicate.
Yesterday, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said Malaysia and Pakistan were discussing the coordination of follow-up actions concerning the detention of the Malaysians, who are suspected of involvement in online fraud activities in the country.
