Malaysia, Thailand empowering border intelligence sharing - Hishammuddin

The sharing of intelligence information between Malaysia and Thailand is important to empower border control in the two countries to prevent illegal trade from getting rampant.

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein said it would be even more worrying if the illegal trade funds were channeled to militant and terrorist activities which can threaten security in the region.

"I am worried if revenue from the black economy such as human trafficking, weapons and drugs reached the hands of terrorists in our region.

"If it happens, it will come under the purview of the Defence Ministry to tackle the matter," he said after chairing the 53rd Malaysia-Thailand General Border Committee (GBC) meeting with Thai Defence Minister cum Deputy Prime Minister General Prawit Wongsuwan at Wisma Perwira here today.

The GBC meeting is aimed at strengthening security cooperation for a sustainable development along the Malaysian-Thai border.

Meanwhile when asked on the military relations with the United States after Donald Trump's victory in the country's presidential election, he said the ministry would be monitoring the policy of the new president in the Asian region.

"We have been following (US policy) from the start but the existing US institutions will not change.

"For the policy and emphasis of the United States towards the Asian region, we need to wait for President Trump's decision after being given the mandate to lead US," he said.

Trump, the Republican party candidate defeated Hillary Clinton from the Democratic Party in a tight presidential election on Tuesday. -- BERNAMA