Losses from online scams could reach RM1.2 billion this year, says home minister

Cumulative losses from cases of online fraud by scammers are projected to reach up to RM1.2 billion by the end of the year if there is still a lack of awareness among the public about the crime, says Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.

Saifuddin said the projection was obtained from yesterday's Cabinet meeting during the presentation of the National Social Council paper, which included a report on scammers.

"This means this crime is getting more serious, so the police should heighten public awareness so that people are not tempted or fall for scams," he told reporters in Shah Alam.

Saifuddin also expressed concern that if the trend of online fraud continued rising, the amount in losses would surpass conventional crimes such as vehicle theft.

Meanwhile, on a report that the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) might request Interpol’s help to track down the son-in-law of former prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin, he said the home ministry would look at what cooperation was required by MACC for the application.