Kuala Lumpur: A total of 5,091 online fraud cases led to losses amounting to RM386.4 million in Selangor in 2024, as reported to the Selangor State Legislative Assembly today.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari disclosed that although there was a decrease of 169 cases compared to the 5,260 cases recorded in 2023, the financial losses increased significantly. The losses in 2023 amounted to RM292,093,647.17, whereas 2024 saw a surge to RM386,426,494.32, marking an increase of RM94 million between the two years.

Amirudin highlighted that retirees and individuals without full-time employment were the most common victims. He explained that those employed full-time are usually busy during the day, which is when scammers primarily operate, avoiding nighttime or rest periods.

He urged the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to enhance their efforts in reducing, preventing, and blocking fraudulent online content.

In a separate issue, Amirudin announced a shift in Selangor's energy strategy from coal to gas, emphasizing progress towards green technology. The state government, through Worldwide Holdings Berhad, secured a bid for a 300-megawatt floating solar panel project. Other initiatives include developing a power plant in Pulau Indah, Port Klang, a waste-to-energy plant in Jeram, Kuala Selangor, and a mini hydroelectric station in Batang Kali, Hulu Selangor.

The Pulau Indah power plant, owned by Worldwide Holdings Berhad, is set to produce 1,200 megawatts of energy using gas. It is in the trial phase and expected to start operations by mid-year or, at the latest, August. Additional water-based projects, such as two hydro projects in Batang Kali and Kerling, are also underway in the region.