SARAWAKIANS have lost RM77.7 million to online scams in the first seven months of 2025, marking a nearly 47 per cent jump from RM52.9 million recorded over the same period last year, according to Sarawak Police Commissioner Datuk Mancha Ata.
Speaking at a press conference at state police headquarters today, Mancha said the surge in losses corresponds with a sharp rise in commercial crime cases, which increased by 61 per cent from 1,398 cases last year to 2,256 cases this year.
“If this trend continues, losses from scams could hit RM100 million by the end of the year. This is worrying,” New Straits Times cited hiim saying.
The commissioner said scammers are now employing increasingly sophisticated tactics, such as presenting forged payment receipts to businesses in order to fraudulently demand funds.
He noted that the majority of scam victims are aged between 30 and 40, followed by individuals aged 18 to 29, and the elderly.
“Most victims fall prey due to a lack of awareness of scammers’ modus operandi, a desire to make quick profits, or panic when contacted by individuals impersonating enforcement officials,” he said.
To date, 867 suspects linked to various scams have been arrested across the state, with 834 already charged in court. The number of detected mule bank accounts used to facilitate scam transactions has also increased, from 639 last year to 832 this year.
Mancha highlighted that the police’s most significant breakthroughs included the dismantling of three scam call centres operated by criminal syndicates in Miri and Sibu. He said police operations to track syndicates, raise public awareness, and strengthen enforcement are ongoing.
Authorities continue to urge the public to remain vigilant, report suspicious activities, and verify information with official channels before making any transactions. - August 1, 2025
