KUCHING: SUPP Public Complaints Bureau chief Milton Foo met up with MCA Public Services and Complaints Department head Datuk Seri Michael Chong to learn on various livelihood issues, particularly the growing threat of online scams.
Foo said they exchange views on various topics and recalled that when he first assumed his role in 2022, he had sought guidance from Chong, who shared his experience without reservation.
“That advice benefited me greatly. In particular, the human trafficking scam cases we handled involved multiple government agencies and foreign embassies, and without his guidance, it might not have been possible to successfully rescue the 42 victims,” he said.
Foo cautioned that scam tactics continue to evolve, noting a new scheme in East Malaysia involving forged court orders sent by mail. “The documents looked very real, but fortunately one victim came forward to verify them in time and exposed the fraud,” he said, adding that similar complaints have also surfaced in West Malaysia.
He further highlighted the rise of fake online loan scams, where victims receive only a fraction of the promised loan amount but are forced to repay the full debt. “Some have even been subjected to harassment and violent threats such as red paint splashing and arson,” he said.
Foo urged the public to stay alert against such schemes. “If you receive suspicious calls, letters or online messages, always verify first. And if it involves government departments, go directly to the relevant office instead of calling the numbers stated in the documents. That is the safest way to avoid falling into scams,” he advised.