Urgent need for heightened public awareness about online scams

BINTULU: Tanjong Batu assemblyman Johnny Pang Leong Ming has stressed the urgent need for the government to enhance public awareness regarding online scam syndicates, noting that the current level of awareness remains low.

He pointed out the necessity of conducting extensive awareness campaigns to empower the public to be more vigilant and knowledgeable about the necessary actions to take when encountering deceptive calls or text messages (SMS).

“These scams target individuals indiscriminately, irrespective of age, financial status, employment, or retirement. Victims of these fraudulent schemes may suffer significant losses, leading to emotional distress.

“Meanwhile, the scam perpetrators exhibit no remorse, boasting about their ill-gotten gains without the need for legitimate work.”

Pang made these comments while presenting certificates and prizes to the winners of the Anti-Scam Short Video Contest for Bintulu Schools 2024, organised by the State Action Council in Bintulu at the Cenderawasih Hall of SMK Bintulu, on Thursday (Jan 25).

He commended the State Action Council for organising such activities and expressed hope that they would continue in the future.

In the secondary school category, students from SMK Bintulu secured the first three places, with Mandy Lee En Ting claiming the top spot, followed by Aline Chin Yong Yen in second place, and Elizabeth Khannu Roy in third.

For the primary school category, Nigel Ham Jun Jie from SJK Sibiew Chinese secured the first place, followed by Alex Hii Chee Zhe and Ariel Su Li Kiong in second place.

The third-place was shared by Spencer Sunang Chin, Mohamad Amirul Amin Mohd Faris, and Fredrick Ganai Evlester Kamal.