In a statement delivered at the Dewan Rakyat, Deputy Minister Ramkarpal Singh from the Prime Minister’s Department for Law and Institutional Reform unveiled a significant achievement by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).
As of September this year, MCMC successfully blocked a staggering 2.6 billion suspected scam calls, a feat made possible through close collaboration with the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC). These strategic efforts also extended to blocking phone numbers frequently employed by scammers.
From October 2022 to August of the present year, MCMC processed 1,732 cases. Within this investigative span, 134 phone numbers with ties to fraudulent activities were terminated, and an additional 21 suspicious phone numbers were blocked.
To combat scam-related crimes, MCMC took measures to block websites, leading to the prevention of offenses under national law, including fraud and scams. Notably, between January 1 and August 30 of the current year, MCMC successfully blocked 1,247 websites associated with fraudulent and phishing activities.
In response to a query from Datuk Seri Ikmal Hisham Abdul Aziz (PN-Tanah Merah) regarding cumulative losses and the number of scam victims, Ramkarpal reported that Malaysia had documented 19,222 scam cases from January to September 30 this year, resulting in losses exceeding RM687 million.
This marked a significant decrease when compared to the 25,609 cases recorded in 2018, which incurred losses amounting to RM23 billion. Furthermore, he detailed that between 2021 and July 2023, a total of 183 charges were filed under Section 417 of the Penal Code, leading to sentences for 617 individuals. During the same period, 22,837 charges were brought under Section 420 of the Penal Code, with 2,221 individuals sentenced as a result.
Ramkarpal also emphasized the government’s proactive measures to combat scam-related crimes, including the establishment of the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) in October of the previous year.
The NSRC has effectively responded to this challenge, receiving a total of 53,783 calls between October 2022 and September 30 this year, encompassing reports of scam cases and offering valuable advice to the public. In addition, he highlighted the ongoing evaluation of existing legal provisions by the NSRC, which may lead to necessary amendments. This comprehensive review includes a meticulous examination of the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing, and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001.
