Everyone is aware of scams—whether they come via calls, messages, or emails—all it takes is one click to fall victim. Scammers can swiftly and unnoticedly drain money from your bank account. These unfortunate events have been affecting Malaysians for years, and with the rise of AI technology, the problem has only worsened.
While scam cases often make headlines, many might think they are a global issue or more prevalent in other countries. However, Malaysia, known for its unity and cultural harmony, surprisingly has the highest rate of online fraud victimisation in Asia. According to the Asia Scam Report 2024 issued by Global Anti-Scam, Malaysian victims are targeted over 2.5 times more frequently than the average across the region.
A report by Bernama highlighted that two other Asian countries—Thailand and Hong Kong—rank second and third, respectively. CelcomDigi Head of Sustainability, Philip Ling, noted that scammers exploit victims repeatedly, taking advantage of their inability to distinguish between legitimate and fraudulent sources, particularly in AI-driven scams. Philip expressed concern over how many victims fail to learn from past experiences, falling for scams again due to their difficulty in identifying whether callers or messages are genuine.
Speaking at the Anti-Scam Engagement Session, Philip said, “We need to know that scam victims do not get an adequate support system from the people around them. They feel scared, ashamed, and unsure of where to seek help.” He added that after losing something valuable, victims often hesitate to seek assistance for fear of negative reactions from others. While shame may be a natural response, he emphasised that reaching out to trusted individuals or organisations is crucial to resolving these issues and preventing others from becoming victims.
Earlier, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil identified online fraud as a major government focus in combating cybercrimes such as online gambling, cyberbullying, and sexual crimes against children. To address this, the government plans to implement a regulatory and licensing framework for social media and internet messaging services starting 1st January 2025.
As online scams become increasingly sophisticated, it is vital for Malaysians to remain vigilant. Scams can target anyone, regardless of social or economic status. Awareness, education, and a supportive community are key to reducing the impact of online fraud.
Sakinah contributed to this article.
