38yo woman in Kuching loses RM456k in phone scam

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By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, Jan 26: A 38-year-old local woman has lost RM456,000 after falling victim to a phone scam involving suspects impersonating officers from the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) and the police in Kuching.

Kuching District Police chief ACP Alexson Naga Chabu said the Commercial Crime Investigation Division of the Kuching District Police Headquarters received a report on the incident, which occurred on Dec 5, 2025.

According to the victim, she was on holiday at her family home when she received a phone call from a suspect, who claimed to be from the NSRC. The call was later transferred to another number with the caller posing as a police officer.

“The suspect allegedly deceived the victim by claiming that a criminal case had been registered under her name.

“To “clear” her funds, the victim was instructed to transfer money to several bank accounts, with assurances that the money would be returned,” he said in a statement.

Believing the claims, the victim made 13 money transfer transactions into three different bank accounts.

“She only realised she had been scammed after checking the official PDRM Semak Mule portal,” Alexson said, adding that the victim then lodged a police report for further action.

As a result of the scam, the victim suffered losses amounting to RM456,000.

The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property, which carries a penalty of imprisonment of not less than one year and not more than 10 years, whipping and a possible fine upon conviction.

Police have advised the public to remain vigilant and not to panic when receiving suspicious calls, to immediately terminate such calls, and to refrain from sharing personal or banking information with unknown callers.

Members of the public are also urged to verify suspicious phone numbers or bank accounts through the official PDRM Semak Mule portal and to contact the nearest police station for verification or to lodge a report.

Suspicious activities can also be reported via the NSRC hotline at 997, or by contacting the Sarawak Commercial Crime Investigation Department (JSJK) via phone or WhatsApp at 011-62890089, or email at [email protected]. – DayakDaily

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