THE public is reminded to be more cautious of online fraud activities that are expected to increase ahead of the festive season, especially the Chinese New Year celebrations.
Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said cybercriminals often take advantage of people withdrawing savings for festive preparations and giving angpau.
“If you are a victim, immediately contact the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) at 997 within 30 minutes to allow the outflow of funds to be blocked.
“Be careful with any messages received, including via WhatsApp applications, SMS and also social media.
“We expect there to be an increase in online fraud, especially ahead of the Chinese New Year celebration,” he said after attending the Lembah Pantai Parliamentary Chinese New Year Open House 2026, today.
He said that the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has instructed telecommunications companies not to allow the sending of SMS containing links to curb online fraud activities.
Meanwhile, Fahmi, who is also the Member of Parliament for Lembah Pantai, also presented RM150 worth of vouchers to nearly 700 Tionghua people in the Lembah Pantai parliamentary constituency.
In addition, he also announced the implementation of a people's ambulance service at a rate of RM1 specifically for Lembah Pantai residents, especially the B40 group, who need hospital treatment.
"If they need ambulance services, they can contact my office. This is a community service effort to help the people around Lembah Pantai," he said. – February 7, 2026