Malaysian citizens face rising drug-related arrests abroad

Deputy Foreign Minister Lukanisman Awang Sauni reported that 1,588 Malaysians were detained abroad for drug-related offenses through September. This figure represents a significant portion of the 3,322 Malaysians detained overseas during that period.

The highest number of Malaysian drug arrests occurred in Indonesia (381), China (380), Singapore (310), Thailand (102), and Japan (72). Data shows an upward trend in these detentions over the last three years. In 2025, 1,303 out of 2,997 total overseas detentions involved drugs, compared to 1,181 out of 2,358 in 2024.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that diplomatic missions are monitoring these consular cases to ensure the rights and welfare of citizens are protected. Concerns were also raised regarding the effectiveness of security scanning technologies at Malaysian international airports to prevent smuggling via methods such as luggage or footwear.