Bukit Aman to strengthen inter-agency cooperation on cybercrimes

KUALA LUMPUR: Bukit Aman will enhance cooperation with other law enforcement agencies in the region to effectively curb cybercrimes, says Tan Sri Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani.

The Inspector-General of Police said collaboration on cybersecurity between Malaysia and other countries had already been forged but Bukit Aman intended to step up this cooperation.

"Cybercrimes such as online scams are not only happening in Malaysia but affect the whole world.

"As such, collaboration among authorities of various nations is vital towards preventing and curbing such scams," he told reporters on the sidelines of the Defence Services Asia (DSA) and National Security (NATSEC) exhibitions 2022 on Tuesday (March 29).

Speaking to the press after the launch of the book Jenayah Siber di Malaysia: Impak Leluasa Internet (Cybercrimes in Malaysia: Pervasive Impact of the Internet), he said the book, published in Bahasa Malaysia, should be translated into English and shared among strategic partners in the country and overseas.

"The book will help to create more awareness on cybercrimes," he said.

The IGP reminded the public not to be fooled by callers who claimed to be from the authorities.

"Scammers often claim they are from agencies such as the police or the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN) and say that the victims are being investigated for various crimes.

"The authorities will not conduct investigations over the phone. At the most, investigators will schedule a meeting or interview people at their respective offices.

"Recording statements or interviewing persons of interest will not be done over the phone," he said.

Certain cybercrimes were hard to detect as victims were late reporting the incidents, he added.

"In many scam cases, the victims would wait up to a week after they realised they had been cheated.

"We urge the public to report crimes as soon as possible to ensure prompt action against the culprits," he said.