Don’t be deceived, it’s like a Macau scam

PETALING JAYA: The public should not entertain phone calls offering free health screenings, warns Deputy Health Minister Lukanisman Awang Sauni.

“I checked on this matter and found that such cases happened repeatedly, just like the Macau scam.

“The public is advised not to be easily influenced by offers of free health check-ups via phone calls,” he told The Star.

He also advised people to reject calls supposedly from health authorities offering screenings.

“Do not engage with callers who claim to be from the Health Ministry, IJN [National Heart Institute] or any government clinic,” he said.

Explaining the modus operandi of such scams, he said that the recipient would be offered various health packages at a high price once they accept the free screening offer.

He said it is unethical for any clinic or spa to offer such packages.

The ministry, he said, would look into these fake health screening offers and take the appropriate action.

“My concern is the elderly people. They could become victims and be deceived by such tricks,” he added.

He also said the Communications and Digital Ministry should look into possible data leaks that might have revealed personal information.