Consul General of Malaysia to Hong Kong and Macau, Tuan Muzambli Markam said, some were duped by criminal syndicates to take on seemingly straightforward delivery jobs.

"These cases demonstrate how criminal syndicates disguise criminal activities as legitimate opportunities, exploiting financial hardship and poor judgment, particularly among younger people," he told The Star.

There has been a wave of reports of Malaysians caught with drug trafficking in Hong Kong and Macau.

Elaborating on the trends that have emerged from the consulate general's experience in handling such cases, Tuan Muzambli said, a significant number of cases of Malaysians detained in Hong Kong for such offences involved young people in their early 20s or late teens.

"However, there was also a case involving a senior citizen in his 70s who is currently undergoing court proceedings on drug smuggling charges," he said, adding that involvement in these offences is not confined to any particular age group or background.

Tuan Muzambli said, that the impact of such activities extends well beyond those arrested.

Their family members often have to travel to Hong Kong for prison visitation, court proceedings and to seek consular guidance, resulting in financial and emotional strain.