PUTRAJAYA: Bukit Aman’s Commercial Crime Investigation Department has officially taken the reins of the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC), says Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail (pic).
The Home Minister said previously that the NSRC did not have a lead agency despite consisting of the police, Bank Negara, the Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission and the National Anti-Financial Crime Centre ( CC).
“Two weeks ago, I, along with the police, met with the Prime Minister, stating that the police are willing to lead the NSRC, and he agreed. So the police have taken the lead in NSRC’s operations, effective immediately,” he said after the ministry’s monthly assembly yesterday.
Saifuddin Nasution said the police needed to lead the CC as the number of scam cases has become worrying.
“Previously, the ones manning the NSRC were appointed by Bank Negara. Now the NSRC will have 129 permanent staff who will handle the 997 hotline 24 hours a day,” he said, adding that a proper headquarters for the NSRC is being planned.
“We hope to better serve the public to curb scams. Awareness programmes on scams will also be intensified,” he added.
On another matter, Saifuddin Nasution said the police will facilitate the upcoming “Himpunan Turun Anwar” rally on July 26.
He said the police would ensure the safety of the participants despite organisers no longer being legally required to notify the authorities, following a landmark Federal Court ruling on July 1.
However, Saifuddin Nasution admitted that the ruling has somewhat complicated police preparations.
“In the past, when organisers were required to inform the police, the police could better estimate crowd sizes and mobilise resources accordingly, not to restrict the gathering but to facilitate it.
“Now, without prior notice, the police have to deploy all available assets to prepare a suitable security strategy,” he said.
He gave assurance that the police will professionally handle the rally, but also reminded organisers and participants to adhere strictly to provisions under the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012.
Saifuddin Nasution said the government fully supports the people’s democratic rights, including freedom of expression.
On July 1, the Federal Court ruled that penalising individuals for not giving five days’ notice before a peaceful assembly contravenes the Federal Constitution, effectively nullifying Section 9(5) of the Act.
