‘RM21.3mil lost to online scams so far this year’

KOTA KINABALU: A total of 535 cases of online fraud involving losses of up to RM21.3mil were recorded in the first seven months of this year in the state.

Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Idris Abdullah said the trend in the first seven months of this year indicated rising numbers compared to the whole of last year which involved RM25mil in losses involving 1,148 cases.

“This amount proves that there is always an increase every year regarding the number of cases and the value of losses,” he said in his speech read out by Sabah police management head Datuk Zabidi Md Zain at a cybercrime prevention and awareness campaign in Ranau district.

Idris said police made 679 arrests involving online fraud cases that occurred in Sabah this year.

He added that the number had increased compared to 706 arrests for the 12-month period of 2021 and 855 arrests in 2020.

“Although various investigations, arrests and prosecutions have been carried out, there are still people who are being deceived by scammers.

“The police will continue to implement awareness programmes to educate the public.

“During the first seven months of this year, a total of 191 awareness activities have been implemented compared to 156 last year.

“We will also continue to intensify efforts, including inviting the community to become an important strategic partner with the slogan ‘Let’s Fight Scammer Together’,” he said.

Idris hoped that all the knowledge gained through the crime prevention campaigns could be used and shared with family, friends and the community so that they would not become victims of online fraud.

Meanwhile, Deputy Home Minister II Datuk Jonathan Yassin said such campaigns were important as it would help the community.

“The public can check with either the police or the banks involved before any action is taken.

“Don’t trust anyone without checking their background. If the matter is checked with the authorities, this sort of crime can be prevented,” he added.