Awie rocks scammers’ boat

The messengers: Comm Mohd Kamarudin flagging off the Awie Ride convoy in Ampang. — FAIHAN GHANI/The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Awie continues to turn the spotlight on scammers as he takes his anti-scam crusade-on-wheels to the east coast.

The rock legend is bringing his motorcycle convoy to Kota Baru, Kuala Terengganu and Kuantan, beginning yesterday.

It’s the second phase of his campaign after the first to Kedah, Perlis, Penang and Perak from July 19-22.

“The convoy is heading to the east coast as we continue our mission to spread more awareness of scams.

“We hope to receive good response from people in these states,” he told reporters before the flag-off ceremony for phase two of the Awie Ride convoy at Route 77, Harley Davidson in Ampang here yesterday.

A total of 36 riders are on the road with the 53-year-old singer in this second phase.

“I was delighted to see fantastic response from the public during the first phase.

“People should be aware of scammers and their various tactics,” said Awie, who has himself been targeted by scammers.

Facing the possible risk of retaliation from scam syndicates, the celebrity crusader, whose real name is Ahmad Azhar Othman, said he had so far not received any threats.

“In fact, I am threatening the scammers. They tried to dupe me a few times, but they failed,” he said.

Asked if an anti-scam concert was on the cards, Awie said he was focused on completing the latest convoy before travelling to the southern states next.

The convoy was flagged off by Bukit Aman Commercial Crime Investigation Department director Comm Datuk Mohd Kamarudin Md Din.

In his speech, Comm Mohd Kamarudin said he was grateful for the cooperation by Awie and the convoy participants in spreading more awareness of scams.

“Scams are a growing problem. Anti-scam campaigns such as this are important in ensuring society is adequately informed to protect itself against scammers’ tactics,” he said.