‘Scammers are watching’: Govt forms new cross-agency anti-scam committee but keeps tactics under wraps

KUALA LUMPUR, July 2 — The government has established a special working committee and technical group to address online fraud or scam-related crimes on June 18, said Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil.

He said its establishment came about following a Cabinet retreat that discussed the rising number of such crimes, and the first meeting of the working committee will be held soon with the involvement of various ministries, agencies and departments.

Fahmi, who is also the Madani Government spokesman, said the cross-agency approach is aimed at strengthening enforcement, legal and investigative efforts to enhance user safety on digital platforms.

“This will involve various ministries, agencies and departments. And, for the first time, the banking sector, telecommunications sector and major platforms, including social media, will also be involved. 

“This is a proactive measure by the government to identify issues and manage them, be it in terms of enforcement, legislation and also investigation, so that Malaysians can be safer when using digital platforms,” he said at the weekly press conference at Angkasapuri today.

Elaborating, Fahmi said the government expects several positive developments to be achieved in the near term following the establishment of the committee.

However, he said the government could not disclose all the strategies discussed to prevent them from being known to irresponsible parties.

“Yes, we expect that in the near future, several matters can be addressed. I cannot speak too openly because those watching may also include scammers,” he said.

Fahmi said the cross-agency approach had previously been used to tackle child sexual crimes and had proven effective through several special operations.

“So, with the establishment of this working committee, we expect stricter, faster and more comprehensive action can be taken against scammers. — Bernama