Latest news with #CommonGamingHousesAct
New Straits Times
19 hours ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Tougher cybercrime laws needed to protect the elderly
LETTERS: Regular reports of elderly people falling victim to cyber crimes and losing their life savings call for urgent reforms to strengthen criminal laws and increase penalties for offenders. The timely reminder by federal police Criminal Investigation Department director Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain to look into outdated laws must therefore be supported by all lawmakers and the public. He mentioned, in particular, the Common Gaming Houses Act, the Prevention of Crime Act and the Security Offences Act. We also need to enhance the Computer Crimes Act 1997 to address new forms of cybercrime such as ransomware attacks, phishing scams, and identity theft. We should align our laws with international frameworks, such as the Council of Europe's Budapest Convention, to facilitate cross-border cooperation in cybercrime investigations. How robust are our data privacy regulations? We should establish clear regulations on the collection, storage, and sharing of user data, ensuring that individuals have control over their personal information. We should develop new laws targeting digital fraud, such as investment scams and fraudulent online transactions, with stricter penalties for offenders. It is equally important to initiate public education campaigns on digital safety and cybersecurity, aiming to empower citizens to protect themselves against online threats. These proactive actions are essential for maintaining public safety and ensuring that Malaysia keeps pace with global standards in criminal justice. We can learn from several countries that have established robust frameworks and strategies. Among them are the United States, Singapore, Estonia, Japan and Germany. By studying their examples, we can adopt best practices that suit our needs, and foster a safer digital environment for our citizens and businesses.
New Straits Times
28-05-2025
- New Straits Times
Cops bust online gambling call centre in Jalan Tun Razak, 30 nabbed
KUALA LUMPUR: Police have crippled an online gambling call centre following a raid at an office building in Jalan Tun Razak here. City Police Chief Datuk Rusdi Mohd Isa said a team comprising personnel from Wangsa Maju and Kuala Lumpur Criminal Investigation Department Anti-Vice, Secret Societies and Gambling (D7) Unit raided the office at 11.30am today. "They arrested 30 suspects involving 23 local men, six local women and a man from China. "The suspects are aged between 20 and 27," he said today. He said intelligence and investigations suggest the suspects were involved in operating an online gambling call centre at the premises. "We seized 30 computer monitors, 60 mobile phones, two routers, a modem and an access card. "We believe this syndicate was targetting gamblers from China," he said, adding that they believed the group has been active for the last two months. He said police believe that the syndicate was led by a man from China who remains at large. "The suspects will be brought to the Wangsa Maju police headquarters for processing. "We have opened investigations under Section 4(1)(g) of the Common Gaming Houses Act for anouncing or publishing any place as being used as common gaming house," he said. Those convicted may be fined between RM5,000 and RM50,000, and may also face imprisonment for up to three years. Additionally, they are liable to a further fine of between RM5,000 and RM50,000 for each gaming machine seized. Rusdi urged anyone with information on similar activities to contact the police hotline at 03-2115 9999 or go to the nearest police station.
