ONLINE fraud in Malaysia has escalated to critical levels, with annual financial losses skyrocketing to 2.97 billion Ringgit following an 87 per cent surge in reported cybercrime cases compared to the previous year.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Mohd Khalid Ismail expressed deep concern over the drastic upward trend, noting that the spike persists despite aggressive enforcement operations and continuous public awareness campaigns conducted by the authorities.
Police data revealed that 66,204 online fraud cases were documented throughout 2026, marking a massive leap from the 35,368 cases recorded in 2025.
"Statistics show an extremely worrying trend. Throughout 2026, a total of 66,204 online fraud cases were recorded, representing a sharp increase of 87 per cent compared with 35,368 cases in 2025.
“In terms of financial losses, the figure in 2026 reached RM2.97 billion, an increase of RM1.40 billion compared with the previous year," Mohd Khalid detailed during a press conference in Kuala Lumpur.
The IGP disclosed that telecommunications fraud, commonly known as phone scams, remains the most prevalent threat, with 28,388 cases reported.
In terms of financial losses, non-existent investment schemes inflicted the greatest damage, accounting for RM1.47 billion of the total losses.
In response to the growing crisis, federal police have intensified enforcement operations.
A recent crackdown in the Klang Valley led to the arrest of 183 individuals allegedly linked to active scam syndicates.
Speaking at the launch of the "Perangi Scam, Two Forces, One Mission" joint campaign between the Royal Malaysia Police and Public Bank today, the IGP stressed that law enforcement efforts must be complemented by greater public awareness.
"We carry out operations from time to time. Recently, we arrested 183 individuals involved in scam activities and have taken the necessary actions against them in various locations around the Klang Valley.
“We will continue these operations, but most importantly, we must educate the public so that they do not easily believe or fall for such scams," he said.
The scale of the problem is also reflected in the daily workload of the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC), which continues to receive a high volume of reports from victims.
"Every day, we receive between 500 and 700 phone calls, and many of these help us assist victims and investigate cases involving their lost funds," Mohd Khalid added.
The nation's top cop urged citizens to practice extreme caution when conducting digital transactions.
He advised the public to independently verify any request involving financial transfers or the disclosure of personal data through official institutional channels before taking action. - June 15, 2026
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