KUALA LUMPUR: The US and Malaysia signed a Customs Mutual Assistance Agreement (CMAA) for collaboration on security and trade facilitation between the two countries.
US Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary, Alan Bersin, signed the agreement for the US and Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Ahmad Maslan for Malaysia.
“Customs Mutual Assistance Agreements are valuable tools in law enforcement as they facilitate information sharing with international partners.
“This agreement will improve coordination in combating illicit cross-border activities and will enable both countries to better prevent, detect and investigate Customs offences,” said Bersin in a statement.
This signing reflects the strength of the US-Malaysia relationship and the increased level of bilateral engagement and cooperation in recent years.
The US and Malaysia work together on a broad range of issues, including trade and investment, education, security and defence and the environment.
This close collaboration is reflected in the Comprehensive Partnership Agreement, signed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and the US President Barack Obama this year.
CMAAs are bilateral agreements between countries and are enforced by their respective Customs administrations. It provides the legal framework for the exchange of information and cooperation.
They help countries prevent, detect and investigate Customs offences and crimes associated with goods crossing international borders, including duty evasion, trafficking, proliferation, money laundering, and terrorism-related activities.
