Selangor Journal
People observing the social distancing rule and wearing protective face masks while waiting at the Ampang LRT station, on June 3, 2020. — Picture by FIKRI YUSOF/SELANGORKINI

Face mask fraud amounting to RM5.5mil in losses, highest cases recorded in Selangor

By Afix Redzuan

SHAH ALAM, June 4 — Selangor has recorded a total of 122 cases of fraud involving the sale of face masks, which is the highest recorded figure in the country since March 18.

Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the second and third highest number of cases recorded are in Johor and Penang, with 68 cases reported in the respective states.

He said the fraud cases had involved online transactions via Facebook and WhatsApp.

“Avoid buying face masks online through suspicious websites and go through the reviews by other buyers as well.

“Do not fall for the cheap deals,” he said during a press conference in Putrajaya, today.

Police have opened 572 investigation papers on such fraud cases, with an estimated loss amounting to RM5.5 million.

To date, 181 individuals have been arrested while 53 have been charged in court.

Protective face masks have been in high demand since the Covid-19 infection has spread earlier this year.

Top Picks

Mission to end long Thomas Cup drought resumes in Chengdu

Ringgit retreats versus dollar amid mix signals on US rates

Modi-Gandhi campaign heats up as India goes to second round of polls