KUALA LUMPUR: A comprehensive and dynamic approach involving close cooperation among multiple stakeholders is needed to combat the growing threat posed by online scams, says Tan Sri Mohd Khalid Ismail.
The call by the Inspector-General of Police comes as almost RM3bil in losses due to online scams were recorded last year.
“A staggering 66,204 online scam cases were recorded last year – an 87% increase compared to 2024.
“Malaysians lost RM2.97bil to scams last year, with losses continuing to increase this year as syndicates adopt increasingly sophisticated methods to deceive victims.
“Online scams are not only causing significant financial losses but are also affecting social well-being, public confidence in the digital ecosystem and the country’s economic stability,” he said after launching the PB Scam Ranger 2.0 programme yesterday.
The programme is a collaboration between the police and Public Bank, with the aim of protecting Malaysians from the threat of financial scams.
Mohd Khalid noted that the modus operandi of scammers is constantly evolving by exploiting rapid technological developments.
As such, the police are continuously monitoring emerging technologies and will push for laws to be strengthened as a deterrent against such crimes.
He added that police had recently arrested 183 individuals believed to be involved in scam activities carried out in Kuala Lumpur and the Klang Valley.
Mohd Khalid noted that enforcement efforts alone would not be sufficient to address the growing threat, stressing the importance of public vigilance.
“We urge the public to remain cautious in all online financial transactions; avoid being deceived by suspicious calls, messages or offers; and always verify information through official channels before taking any action,” he said.
He added that the police have introduced digital tools such as the SemakMule app, which enables users to check bank account and telephone numbers linked to reported scam cases.
He also highlighted the role of the National Scam Response Centre in Cyberjaya, which receives between 500 and 700 calls daily from members of the public seeking assistance after falling victim to scams.
The IGP said combating online scams requires a whole-of-society approach, with government agencies, financial institutions, the private sector and the public all playing their part.
On a separate matter, Mohd Khalid said three reports had been lodged over allegations linking Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor to the purchase or financing of a luxury property allegedly worth US$13mil (RM52mil) in New Jersey, the United States.
He said statements had been recorded from several individuals, with police working closely with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission on the matter.
“Initial investigations found that the social media account that had circulated the allegation appeared to be a fake account.”
On public concerns over Rohingya refugees in the country, Mohd Khalid said strict monitoring and enforcement measures are in place.
He noted that crime involving members of the Rohingya community remained low.
“Only 89 Rohingya individuals were recorded as being involved in various offences between 2024 and this year. The figure represented just 0.2% of the total crimes recorded nationwide, indicating that Rohingya criminal involvement was minimal.”
