KUALA LUMPUR - Police authorities from South Korea and Malaysia have signed a memorandum of understanding to enhance cooperation in tackling cross-border crimes such as online scams.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the agreement was signed by Yoo Jae-Seong, Acting Commissioner General of South Korea’s National Police Agency, and Malaysian Inspector General of Police Tan Sri Mohd Khalid Ismail, last Wednesday in Seoul.

Under the MOU, both sides agreed to quickly share information on transnational crimes, including scam operations based in Southeast Asia.

The agreement also covers joint police efforts such as coordinated investigations, arrests, and the return of fugitives to their home countries.

During the talks, Yoo invited Malaysia to join a South Korea-led global investigative body launched last October to combat international crime.

Officials said Mohd Khalid pledged to consider further cooperation measures, especially to address new and emerging forms of cybercrime.

South Korean police have been strengthening overseas cooperation following reports of South Koreans being abducted and detained in Cambodia by criminal syndicates linked to scam centres.