Malaysia, US bolster cooperation to fight terrorism
US Ambassador to Malaysia Joseph Y. Yun, seated right, and Malaysian Home Ministry Secretary General Alwi Haji Ibrahim, seated left, sign an agreement witnessed by Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Zahid Hamidi, third from left, during a signing ceremony in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Thursday, Nov. 19, 2015. Malaysia and the US have signed an agreement to boost cooperation to fight terrorism, as a minister voiced concerns that deadly attacks in Paris could spark copycats in the region. AP
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — Malaysia and the US have signed an agreement to boost cooperation to fight terrorism, as a minister voiced concerns that deadly attacks in Paris could spark copycats in the region.
Deputy Prime Minister Zahid Hamidi says under the pact, Malaysia can access US database of known and suspected terrorists, including 1.2 million fingerprints, to prevent suspected terrorists from entering the country and using Malaysia as a transit hub.
Malaysia has arrested some 150 supporters of the Islamic State group since 2013, some of whom were allegedly plotting attacks in the country.
Zahid said Thursday the document will also help pave the way for Malaysia to participate in the US visa waiver program, eventually allowing Malaysians to travel to the US without visa for 90 days for tourism and business.
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