The Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Treaty allows authorities in each country to assist with serving documents, executing searches and seizures and freezing and forfeiting assets.

A number of authorities will be involved in the co-operative, including the police, immigration department, the Central Bank and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Ilango Karuppannan, Charge d'Affaires for the Malaysian Government, said that prior to the treaty authorities had faced difficulties in obtaining evidence against criminals, reported Thestar.com.

"Let's say an American offender goes to Malaysia, opens a bank account or sets up a company for his criminal activities," he said.

"Previously, the Central Bank or Companies Commission was not obliged or allowed under the law to transfer information to the US authorities."

The treaty would allow authorities to take testimonies and voluntary statements for crimes related to drug trafficking, exploitation of children, bankruptcy, piracy, insider trader, fraud and environmental destruction.

- Sarah Sharples