PETALING JAYA, Sept 26 — The Communications and Digital Ministry is discussing with the Prime Minister’s Department (PMD) to bring a cabinet memorandum on setting up a National Anti-Scam Task Force in Bank Negara Malaysia to curb online scams.
Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil said his ministry reverted to PMD because the National Anti-Financial Crime Centre, which is under PMD, is the agency responsible for the matter.
He noted the move was among steps taken to put an end to the rise in commercial fraud due to advancements in digital technology and scammers.
“As far as the government is concerned, we are looking into other things we can do to reduce the instances of online fraud,” he told reporters after his working visit to Axiata Cyber Fusion Centre here today.
Fahmi also noted the government blocked more than two billion suspicious calls and more than 500 million suspicious text messages from reaching Malaysian consumers with assistance from telcos.
Yesterday, Deputy Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay reported Commercial Crime Investigation Department statistics showed over 50 per cent of cases recorded annually were over online fraud.
The minister said the Association of Banks in Malaysia and Association of Islamic Banking and Financial Institutions Malaysia will start a campaign next month to create more awareness among the public on online scam.
Meanwhile, Fahmi denied that September’s mobile phone bill rebate under the Media Practitioner Rahmah Rebate Incentive was only limited to the first 1,000 registrants.
“It is open to all with a media accreditation card issued by the Information Department,” he said.
He stressed that media practitioners who were given the wrong information must inform the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission for quick action.
On August 29, Fahmi announced that about 10,000 media practitioners nationwide will be able to enjoy a one-month mobile phone bill rebate under the Media Practitioners Rahmah Rebate Incentive.
— Bernama
