The US government has signed an agreement with Malaysia that will see the countries share biometric data to thwart crime and terrorism.Signed in Kuala Lumpur, the deal will involve a US biometric database containing details of some 1.2 million suspects of terrorism and other serious crimes.The agreement, signed by Home Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Alwi Ibrahim, is one of the two important documents besides the Homeland Security Presidential Directive No.6 (HSPD-6) Arrangement, which serve as prerequisites for Malaysia to participate in the US Visa Waiver Program (US VWP).Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who witnessed the signing ceremony, said Malaysia would receive 1.2 million fingerprints via biometric data which would be used by the police.”This data would be used by police to analyse the list of terrorists or suspected terrorists from within and outside the country, who may opt to use Malaysia as their transit destination.”The signing of the HSPD-6 and the PCSC agreements means we have follow all the requirements for Malaysia to enter the US VWP,” he said.The agreement was signed between US Ambassador Joseph Yun and Secretary-General of Malaysia's Home Ministry Alwi Ibrahim, and was witnessed by Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.Lists of the suspects will be used at all entry points in Malaysia and across the United States.”From the intelligence information gathered, some groups may be motivated by what happened in Paris and may try to repeat it here,” said Mr Zahid. “I am confident our authorities are on top of the situation to ensure similar attacks will not happen here.”
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