STATUS OF MALAYSIAN CITIZEN DETAINED IN TOYAMA, JAPAN

STATUS OF MALAYSIAN CITIZEN DETAINED IN TOYAMA, JAPAN

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs refers to the case of Muhammad Faiq Zafran bin Mohd Jailani, a Malaysian citizen initially reported missing in Japan since 2 December 2025. It was subsequently confirmed that he was in the custody of the Toyama Minami Police Station.

The Embassy of Malaysia in Tokyo had immediately undertaken its efforts to locate Muhammad Faiq and verify his status upon receiving a report on his disappearance, including direct engagements with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan and local enforcement agencies. Such efforts were made prior to and following the 23 January 2026 local media reports on Muhammad Faiq's status.

The Ministry wishes to clarify the procedural circumstances surrounding the notification of this detention. As a sovereign nation, Japan has the right to enforce its laws within its borders. Under the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations 1963, to which Japan is a signatory, the notification to a foreign Embassy of detention of any individual is not automatic; it is a right exercised at the request of the detainee. Furthermore, the Japanese authorities are strictly bound by the Act on the Protection of Personal Information (APPI). This legislation classifies detention status as personal information that cannot be disclosed to third parties, including diplomatic missions, without the explicit consent of the individual concerned.

The Embassy has been informed by the investigative authorities in Toyama that, at the material time, the necessary consent to disclose information to the Embassy was not granted by Muhammad Faiq. Consequently, the Japanese authorities were legally prohibited from notifying the Malaysian Embassy or releasing details regarding the investigation. Upon successfully securing official confirmation of the detention from the Japanese authorities, the Ministry immediately contacted the next-of-kin to convey the information. The Ministry has continued to communicate with the family to ensure they are updated on the latest developments as received through official channels.

The Ministry, through the Embassy of Malaysia in Tokyo, also continues to closely monitor the situation. Consular officers stand ready to provide all necessary assistance to Muhammad Faiq, including facilitating communication and ensuring his welfare, subject to his consent and within the parameters of Japanese law. It must be noted, however, that the Embassy cannot intervene in the judicial proceedings of a sovereign state or demand the release of a detainee.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs remains fully committed to the welfare of Malaysian citizens abroad. Malaysians travelling or residing overseas are reminded to strictly adhere to the laws and regulations of their host countries.

PUTRAJAYA

17 February 2026