IF it is too good to be true, stay away from it, said Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow in response to how the state can fight the growing wave of online scamming in the state.
Speaking during the question-and-answer session of the assembly sitting, Chow (Padang Kota-PH) said that people must realise that if the deal is too good to be true, it is probably a scam in the making.
“That will be the moral compass in dealing with scams,” Chow said, revealing that there is a 45% increase in scams in the state thus far this year compared to the same period last year.
A total of 2,363 investigating papers were opened from January until September this year compared to 1,632 over the same period last year.
Chow told the assembly yesterday that police are taking steps to counter the scammers, such a “mules” list where the public can refer online to see if the person they are dealing with could be a suspect in other scam cases, possibly a forced mule or working on the behest of syndicates.
Chow also advised people to seek help from the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC), which can be reached until 8pm daily at the toll-free line of 997.
He added that 385 programmes have been hosted by the state to fight online scams.
In another development, state executive councillor for local government Jason H’ng Mooi Lye (Jawi-PH) said that Penang has identified Bayan Baru as a locality for electric scooters.
In view of the anticipated demand, H’ng said that the state will liaise with the Transport Ministry to regulate the presence of e-scooters on state roads.
For now, e-scooters are best used on pedestrian paths or pavements instead of proper roads which are commonly utilised by motor vehicles and motorcycles.
Bayan Baru was selected because it has the best road amenities around, said H’ng. – The Vibes, November 21, 2023
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