FOREIGN Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan revealed today that as of 8 November, a total of 837 Malaysians have been detained overseas for various online fraud offences.
Speaking during a ministerial question session in the Dewan Rakyat, Mohamad clarified that the figure only covers online fraud cases and does not include other offences, which have also seen thousands of Malaysians held abroad.
“Of this number, 765 are Chinese, 34 Malays, 33 Indians, and five from other ethnic groups,” he said.
China recorded the highest number of detentions, with 545 Malaysians held, followed by Singapore (162), Japan (34), South Korea (22), India (20), Indonesia (11) and Thailand (10).
“In China alone, 505 men and 40 women were detained,” he added.
Mohamad urged Malaysians travelling abroad to remain vigilant and familiarise themselves with the laws of the countries they visit.
“As far as possible, we want Malaysians to be exemplary travellers, journey safely and avoid involvement in any criminal activities,” he said.
Responding to a suggestion by Kluang MP Wong Shu Qi for final travel advisories at airports, Mohamad welcomed the proposal, noting it would be referred to the Ministry of Transport.
“We can forward this to the Ministry of Transport so that airlines or airports make recorded announcements, reminding Malaysians to be cautious and avoid becoming drug mules or falling into criminal activities,” he said. - November 10, 2025
