KUCHING: Kota Sentosa State Assemblyman Wilfred called on financial institutions and digital platforms to play a stronger and more responsible role in combating scams.
He urged banks to improve fraud detection and verification systems, enhance customer notification mechanisms, and freeze suspicious transactions more promptly.
“Financial institutions are the frontline of defence and must work hand in hand with enforcement agencies to stop scammers from exploiting the banking system,” he said.
He also proposed greater coordination between the Sarawak Police Commercial Crime Unit, the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC), and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to detect and disrupt scam networks swiftly.
Yap was deeply concern over the growing number of scam cases in Sarawak, warning that the problem has become increasingly sophisticated and widespread.
“Scams are now targeting victims through online investment offers, fake job advertisements, e-commerce frauds, and impersonation of government or financial officers,” he said, calling for stronger action and smarter prevention to address the issue.
Enforcement agencies, he said must adapt and intensify their efforts to raise public awareness and strengthen preventive measures to stop this worrying trend.
“Although awareness campaigns are held from time to time, the continuing rise in scam cases shows that more must be done. Enforcement agencies need to update their strategies to suit the realities of the digital age,” he said.
He said scam syndicates are using advanced technology, fake websites, and social media platforms to deceive unsuspecting victims and that enforcement agencies must keep up with these changes and take a more proactive approach.
“Prevention is always better than cure as it is far more effective to stop scams from happening than to act only after victims have lost their hard-earned money,” he added.
He also stressed the need for enforcement agencies to strengthen collaboration and communication with the public through community-based education and digital awareness campaigns.
“Scammers often prey on people’s emotions and desire for quick returns. We must all learn to pause, verify, and think before we act. A moment of caution can prevent a lifetime of regret,” he advised.
As Sarawak advances in the digital economy, Yap warned that scammers are also becoming more creative.
“The best defence is public awareness, prevention, and cooperation. Every enforcement agency, institution, and citizen has a role to play,” he said.
By Connie Chieng