Run more financial programmes to curb online scams, says Bukit Assek rep

SIBU (July 19): The alarming upward trend in online fraud crimes calls for robust financial programmes to empower the public with knowledge and tools to safeguard themselves from scammers, stressed Bukit Assek assemblyman Joseph Chieng.

Quoting the statistics reported by Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Legal and Institutional Reform) M. Kulasegaran recently, Chieng noted that Malaysia recorded 14,490 cases of online fraud from Jan 1 until June 15 this year alone, resulting in losses exceeding RM581 million.

“These cases span telecommunication crimes, e-financial crimes, love scams, e-commerce crimes as well as non-existent loans and investments.

“The upward trend in such crimes is alarming; there were 25,479 cases reported in 2022, and this increased significantly to 34,495 in 2023. Correspondingly, financial losses soared from over RM851 million in 2022 to surpassing RM1 billion in 2023.

“These figures underscore the critical need for robust financial literacy programmes that equip our citizens with the knowledge and tools to protect themselves,” he said.

Chieng was speaking when officiating at Sibu District Education Office (PPD)’s financial literacy programme in Dewan Canselor Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud at University of Technology Sarawak (UTS) here yesterday, which aimed to keep scammers at bay.

The programme gathered 250 individuals, comprising 200 teachers from Sibu, Kanowit, Selangau and Meradong districts, along with 50 UTS students.

Elaborating on the issue, Chieng pointed out these numbers were not just statistics, but represented the hard-earned savings and dreams of fellow Malaysians that had been shattered.

He noted that the recent findings from the National Scam Awareness Survey 2024 conducted by CelcomDigi Berhad highlighted a pressing issue, whereby a staggering 73 per cent of Malaysians – or 7,881 out of 10,893 survey respondents – have experienced some form of scam.

“This alarming statistic serves as a wake-up call for all of us and is a clear indicator that while technology offers immense benefits, it also brings along sophisticated risks that we must be prepared to confront.”

In saying this, Chieng pointed out that efforts to combat these scams are ongoing.

“As of May, law enforcement agencies have made 7,960 arrests, leading to 5,933 charges in court.

“The Bukit Aman commercial CID has conducted 3,689 crime prevention programmes from January to May this year, aiming to raise community awareness.”

He also mentioned that the government is in the final stages of amending existing laws to enhance the prosecution of these perpetrators, though he noted that legislation and enforcement alone are not enough.

“The most effective defence against scams is an informed and vigilant public.

“This is where financial literacy plays a pivotal role; by empowering individuals with the knowledge to make informed financial decisions, we can significantly reduce the risk of falling prey to scammers.”

In this regard, Chieng commended the initiative by Sarawak Teachers’ Union to organise the programme.

He said as educators, it is equally important for them to instil these essential skills and values in their students, ensuring the future generations are better equipped to navigate the financial landscape.

Among those present at the event was Sibu deputy district education officer (planning sector) Siti Mariam Abdul Rahman, who represented Sibu district education officer Ahli Chikba.

Siti Mariam noted in her speech that a high number of those falling prey to such frauds these past few years involved government pensioners.

“The frauds include offering low prices for goods and services from market prices; investments promising attractive returns and low risks; fast and easy approved loans with interest; prizes and cash from never met overseas contacts; job offerings promising easy tasks and good pay; offer to use account of individuals as mule account by scammers; or overseas launderers promising attractive commission,” she said.

Also present were STU Sibu Division chairman Yong Sie Hing, PPD Sibu head of Psychology and Counselling sector Donny Wong and UTS director of student development and services Lu Yew King.