ONLINE fraud in Malaysia surged dramatically in 2024, with total losses amounting to RM1.57 billion, marking an 84.46 percent increase from RM851.12 million in 2022, according to data released by the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM).
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail told the Dewan Negara that 35,368 cases of online fraud were reported last year, a 38.81 percent rise compared to 25,479 cases in 2022.
“The latest statistics show 31,949 cases between January and July this year alone, with total losses reaching RM1.53 billion,” Saifuddin said in a written parliamentary reply to Senator Dr Wan Martina Wan Yusoff, who had asked for updates on cybercrime and efforts to prevent recurrence.
Of the 127,291 cases investigated between 2022 and July 2025, 61,437 have been resolved, representing an overall case resolution rate of 48.26 percent, he added.
To address the escalating threat, Saifuddin said the government is strengthening the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC), which has operated since October 2022.
The NSRC now functions as a 24-hour one-stop centre providing end-to-end services to tackle online fraud, including the rapid response to financial scams.
“Following nearly three years of administrative operations, the Prime Minister, during a meeting of the National Cyber Security Committee (JKSN), approved placing the NSRC under the purview of the Home Ministry, led by the PDRM,” Saifuddin said.
The NSRC integrates resources and expertise to combat financial fraud swiftly and effectively, including through earmarked action to prevent victims from suffering further monetary losses.
On international cooperation, Malaysia is progressing toward joining the Budapest Convention and signing the United Nations Cybercrime Convention, aiming to enhance cross-border collaboration in cybercrime investigations, digital evidence sharing, and extradition processes.
Malaysia is also engaging in joint efforts with Interpol, the FBI, and the ASEAN-Singapore Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence (ASCCE) to bolster the PDRM’s capacity in addressing emerging cyber threats.
Legislatively, amendments have been made to the Penal Code (Act 574) to better address online financial fraud, especially involving mule accounts, with the introduction of Sections 424A to 424D covering offences related to the possession, control, and misuse of payment instruments such as ATM cards, credit cards, e-wallets, and other digital tools.
Amendments to the Criminal Procedure Code (Act 593) also include Section 116D, which empowers police officers to freeze and seize accounts suspected of being involved in fraudulent transactions.
A dedicated Cybercrime Bill is currently being drafted to further strengthen Malaysia’s legal framework against digital crime.
In addition, specialised units under the PDRM’s Commercial Crime Investigation Department have been established, including the Digital Forensic Investigation Unit and the Police Cyber Investigation Response Centre (PCIRC), to enhance cybercrime detection, analysis, and enforcement. - September 10, 2025
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