Politics · Malaysia Bureau
Sarawak loses RM385 million to online scams since 2022
Home Minister Saifuddin reveals that Sarawak residents have fallen victim to online scams totalling RM385 million over the past two years. Fake investment schemes have emerged as the leading category of fraud, accounting for more than RM165 million in losses alone.
LSN Malaysia ·
Sarawak has recorded substantial financial losses due to online scams since 2022, with Home Minister Saifuddin highlighting the scale of the problem affecting residents across the state. The cumulative losses stand at RM385 million, underscoring the growing threat posed by digital fraud in the region.
According to Saifuddin, non-existent investment scams represent the most damaging category of online fraud, accounting for RM165.09 million of the total losses. These schemes typically target victims through social media platforms and messaging applications, promising unrealistic returns on investments that do not exist.
The figures reflect a broader trend of online scams affecting communities across Malaysia, with fraudsters employing increasingly sophisticated methods to deceive victims. Investment-related fraud remains particularly prevalent, as scammers exploit public trust and economic aspirations.
The disclosure of these figures comes as authorities continue efforts to enhance public awareness about online fraud risks and strengthen consumer protection measures. Residents are being urged to exercise caution when approached with unsolicited investment opportunities and to verify claims through official channels before committing funds.