Melaka: A total of 112 online fraud cases, resulting in losses of approximately RM1.03 million, were reported in Melaka between January 1 and March 13, this year. State Science, Technology, Innovation, and Digital Communications executive councillor (exco) Datuk Fairul Nizam Roslan disclosed that the scams involved online buying and selling, love scams, and non-existent investments, with victims ranging from single mothers to civil servants.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, during the same period, police arrested seven individuals, and seven cases were brought to court. Datuk Fairul Nizam expressed concern that these cases will continue to rise, potentially exceeding last year's number of victims and financial losses if the public remains unaware of the fraud syndicates' modus operandi. He made these remarks after attending the 'Peduli Siber, Asnaf Sejahtera' programme, organised by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), in collaboration with the Social Welfare Department (JKM). The event was also attended by MCMC deputy managing director Datuk Zulkarnain Mohd Yasin.
Fairul Nizam emphasized that the state government has implemented various initiatives to combat online fraud, particularly by raising public awareness about fraud syndicates. This includes mobilising the Task Force for Online Gambling, Fraud, and Cyber Crime. He urged the public to adopt a 'check before you regret' approach when receiving calls from unknown or suspicious individuals.
Meanwhile, Zulkarnain highlighted that beyond online fraud, the MCMC is also focusing on the misuse of social media, particularly concerning the 3R (royalty, religion, and race) issue, which has been on the rise. He stressed the importance of addressing this matter, as it could threaten the harmony of Malaysia's multi-racial society. To enhance public awareness on both online fraud and the misuse of social media involving 3R issues, MCMC will roll out a large-scale Cyber Security Awareness campaign in collaboration with the PDRM, the Education Department, and the state government. This initiative will include a grassroots approach at locations such as Ramadan bazaars or public focal points to convey information and raise awareness regarding the issues involved.