THE Government should strengthen powers under the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 (AMLA) to freeze and confiscate assets obtained through online scams, says the Malaysian Muslim Consumers Association (PPIM).
PPIM chief activist Datuk Nadzim Johan said the move was crucial to ensure scam syndicates not only faced punishment but were also stripped of the proceeds of their criminal activities.
He said existing laws should be updated to keep pace with increasingly sophisticated and aggressive tactics used by online scam syndicates.
Nadzim said tougher penalties were also needed as online scams caused not only financial losses but significant disruption to the lives of victims and their families.
“Society should not continue to watch victims suffer huge losses while criminals remain free to operate without fear,” he said in a statement today.
Nadzim said PPIM also supported Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Mohd Khalid Ismail’s proposal to amend laws related to online fraud to allow harsher penalties for scammers.
He said whipping and maximum prison terms should be considered as deterrents against increasingly bold and organised syndicates.
“PPIM supports efforts by the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) to bring proposed amendments to the relevant laws to the ministry level.
“We also agree with the proposal to impose whipping and maximum imprisonment on scam syndicates, given that this white-collar crime causes severe damage comparable to serious offences,” he said.
Nadzim said controls over financial institutions and digital platforms should also be tightened to disrupt the syndicates’ operations.
He said stronger enforcement should include tracing money flows, freezing suspicious accounts and confiscating assets linked to scam activities.
He urged the Government, authorities and lawmakers to strengthen cooperation to protect the public’s assets and prevent online fraud from becoming a lucrative industry for criminal syndicates. - September 9, 2026
