Cop warns that online scammers now target senior citizens
Section 22, Petaling Jaya in Selangor, has recorded zero crime so far this year, says Petaling Jaya Crime Prevention and Community Safety Division head Deputy Supt Sivakumar Thankaraja.
“Compared to 2025, we have seen 200 fewer cases this year so far.
“We have a MPV that helps with patrolling, and criminals are caught on the road,” he said, speaking at the neighbourhood’s 60th anniversary celebration held on Jalan 22/9.
However, he added that online scammers were targeting senior citizens and that in Petaling Jaya alone, RM500mil had been lost to scammers up until September this year.
“Thieves no longer rob banks, but operate through scams via mobile phones and social media advertisements.
“Do not easily believe what you see online,” he said.
“The scammers also follow you on social media. They read your content too,” he added.
DSP Sivakumar also advised senior citizens present at the event to be careful on the road.
He said research showed there had been 6,000 road deaths among the elderly over the past five years nationwide.
Furthermore, 12,000 road accidents involving senior citizens over the same period had resulted in permanent disabilities.
He highlighted the importance of unity and respect among residents, as well as caring for neighbours.
The neighbourhood was formed in 1965, with development taking place on the former Effingham Estate.
Residents first moved into the neighbourhood in 1966, said Section 22 Residents Association (S22RA) chairman Parimala Nesamany.
“Each year, in August and September, we will have Merdeka and Malaysia Day celebrations, and this year we celebrated the neighbourhood’s 60th anniversary.
“As the neighbourhood matured, we focused on safety and cleanliness.”
The RA has a good relationship with the police and fire department, she added.
“Our neighbourhood is always mistaken for SS20, but we are Section 22.
“We are among the early sections to be formed after Section 1, which is in Petaling Jaya Old Town,” said Parimala, who grew up in the Section 22 neighbourhood.
Also present was Universiti Malaya Faculty of Medicine lecturer Dr Deepa Alex, who spoke on healthy ageing.
Her talk covered cardiovascular health, muscle strength, balance and coordination, bone health and mental well-being among the elderly.
Dr Deepa said remaining strong beyond 60 was achievable through healthy choices, recommending aerobic, strength, resistance and balance exercises.
“It is proven that leg muscles also help to build brain muscle and are important for strength training,” she said.
She encouraged the elderly to bring all their current medications to doctor appointments.
Dr Deepa also stressed the importance of maintaining active social groups.
The event featured health and crime prevention talks, alongside a performance by youths from Persatuan Kebajikan Anak-Anak Istimewa Selangor (Orkids), a non-governmental organisation based in Section 22.
The S22RA also received a RM3,000 donation from Damansara MP Gobind Singh Deo’s office, presented by representative Erica Hew.
