Latest news with #NationalScamResponseCentre
The Sun
4 days ago
- The Sun
Public urged to use 997 hotline for scam response from September
KULAI: The public, especially victims of online scams, are urged to use the 997 hotline, which will operate 24 hours as the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) under the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) from September. Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching said the move is expected to improve assistance for victims amid the rising trend of online scams, with 46,817 scam-related advertisements detected this year as of July 15. She said a call to 997 will now be treated as a police report, eliminating the need for victims to lodge a separate report at a police station. 'This will save victims time and hassle,' she told reporters after inspecting a concrete drainage project to address flash floods at Kampung Melayu Bukit Batu here today. Teo said 80 per cent of scam ads are detected on Facebook, often misusing names of high-profile individuals. Last year, 6,297 fraudulent ads were removed across social media platforms. She added she was also a victim when her photos were used in fake ads offering free books by the former Education Minister. 'Even after the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) removed the ads, other accounts uploaded the same scam. I am unhappy with Meta for allowing this to continue,' she said. - Bernama
The Star
4 days ago
- The Star
Calls to 997 scam hotline to be treated as police reports, says Deputy Comms Minister
KULAI: A call to the 997 hotline for the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) under the police will be treated as a police report, eliminating the need for scam victims to lodge separate reports at a police station, says Teo Nie Ching. The Deputy Communications Minister also said the 997 hotline would operate 24-hours a day from September to improve assistance for victims amid a rising trend of online scams. She also said that as of July 15, 46,817 scam-related advertisements had been detected. "This will save victims time and hassle," she told reporters after inspecting a concrete drainage project to address flash floods at Kampung Melayu Bukit Batu here Saturday (July 26). Teo said 80% of scam ads were detected on Facebook, often misusing names of high-profile individuals. According to hear, 6,297 fraudulent advertisements were removed across social media platforms in 2024. She added she was also a victim when her photos were used in fake ads offering free books by the former education minister. "Even after the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) removed the ads, other accounts uploaded the same scam. I am unhappy with Meta for allowing this to continue," she said. - Bernama
The Star
5 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Asean News Headlines at 10pm on Thursday (June 26, 2025)
Malaysia * Ministers no longer have 'kang tao' to commit graft, says Anthony Loke * Expanded SST will not affect basic services, say banking associations * Apples and oranges exempt from expanded SST, says PM * National Scam Response Centre will now cover all cybercrimes, says Anwar * UMS students and activist released on bail after rally * Police probe possible loan shark involvement in Tasek Gelugor house fire * Man killed in Gerik lorry-car collision * Man found dead in Ipoh house was shot and stabbed, say police * University to enhance security following student's murder * Anwar: Only positive reforms can safeguard nation's future * Labuan-Kota Kinabalu airfare soars to RM1,207, pricier than flights to Seoul, Bangkok * Man fatally stabbed in Kampung Kubu Gajah, suspect arrested * Two motorcyclists killed, two hurt in illegal street race * NRD clarifies viral post alleging Pakistani nationals were given MyKad * About 97% of goods will be taxed under expanded SST, says Dr Wee * Ahmad Zahid to leave decision on Hishammuddin's suspension to Umno's supreme council * Woman dies in suspected fall from eighth floor of PD hotel * Malaysian man, three Singaporeans charged with drug trafficking * Prosecution appeals against Syed Saddiq's acquittal on corruption charges * Suspected drug syndicate leader released on bail * Comms Ministry slashes red tape for foreign film script approvals * Stop kissing babies, prioritise what matters for the rakyat, Anwar tells leaders * Westports to sustain earnings despite global trade slowdown * Anwar launches Kota Madani, a RM4bil smart city for civil servants * PBS opts to strengthen ties within GRS, dismisses Barisan cooperation * Customs Dept foils attempt to smuggle over 50kg of drugs via air courier * Oh, rats! DBKK offering RM2 bounty on rodents until July 31 * My50 pass can be renewed with Touch 'n Go e-wallet from July 1 * Student murder: Victim's laptop and ATM card missing, say cops * No rape element in murder of university student, confirms police * Pan Borneo Highway progress slow, Sabah Works Minister urges action * Female student believed murdered at condominium in Selangor Singapore * Maiden plot in Singapore's Bukit Timah Turf City snags nine bids as developers jostle for first-mover advantage * News Analysis - Early start to heritage studies for Singapore's Bukit Timah Turf City housing site is paying off * At least S$3mil lost since June to scammers who used WhatsApp screen sharing: Singapore police * IKIM chairman's passing great loss to ummah in Malaysia, Singapore: Muslim Converts' Association of Singapore president * Singapore company allegedly received US$45mil illegally from abroad, two men charged * Jail for Malaysian man linked to use of stolen credit card details to buy phones worth over S$45,000 in Singapore * Singapore National Parks probing case of kitten reportedly stuffed in container in Tuas * Singapore's new blueprint will give residents more flexibility to choose ideal home: Analysts * S$83mil in illegal pharma seized in global sting; Warning to 732 sellers of health products in Singapore Indonesia * Indonesia to build super-maximum security prison on remote island * Brazilian hiker's family criticises speed of Rinjani rescue effort in Bali * Indonesia working on new e-commerce tax rule in bid to target 'shadow economy' * After nickel, Indonesia's copper smelting industry is now attracting investors * Indonesian rescuers recover body of Brazilian tourist who fell off volcano cliff Thailand * Thai teen says he threw himself out of a window to escape Cambodia's brutal scam farms * Thai PM orders relief measures amid ongoing border disputes with Cambodia * Bangkok Airways to suspend Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) – Lampang route * Thai PM, former Cambodian leader visit disputed border as tensions simmer * Thailand grants 1,000 Cambodians daily access to Ban Khlong Luek border crossing * Thailand makes new proposal to restrict cannabis sales * Thai party plans no-confidence vote against embattled PM Philippines * China urges Philippine military staff to refrain from 'malicious accusations' over drugs trade * Kanlaon Volcano emits higher sulfur dioxide levels in 24 hours Vietnam * Brain-dead man's donated organs save three critically ill patients in Vietnam * Vietnamese nationals charged in JB with trafficking 38kg of MDMA * Stock fraud: Vietnamese tycoon's jail term reduced * Govt seeks talks with Russia on nuclear power plans * Tycoon escapes death penalty Myanmar * Myanmar set to hold election by January 2026 * Myanmar torches US$300mil of drugs in declining annual haul * UN expert urges rejection of Myanmar election 'fraud' Cambodia * Amnesty says Cambodia is enabling brutal scam industry * Patriotic pumpkin sales: Cambodians back Preah Vihear farmers Laos * Australia provides funds to boost investment, economic cooperation with Laos * Laos, US reaffirm commitment to combat human trafficking Brunei * Brunei Health Ministry honours 224 for long service Aseanplus * Hope in fraught times: Trump-Xi bond could shift ties for the better, say US experts * Three dead and a dozen missing as torrential rains cause flash flood in north India * Bear sighting at airport in northeastern Japan disrupts flights * Former TVB actor Johnny Tang, 58, opens up about his life with 3 girlfriends * Thirty people, including 18 pupils, sustain minor injuries after vehicle hits pedestrians near school in Beijing: police * India recovers data from black boxes after deadly crash * HK actress Sharon Luk, who once dated a Malaysian tycoon, shares criteria for a partner * Ringgit climbs as Trump ramps up pressure on Fed to cut interest rates * Japanese manga Chiikawa exhibition to be held in Hong Kong in August * Hong Kong ranked most international city in Asia, narrowly beating Singapore * First it was the preppy 'Bila Nak Kahwin', elegant Amira Othman now returns with 'Dalam Sujudku', theme song for drama 'Dia Bukan Syurga' * Chinese cafe goes viral over coffee drink laced with cooked pig intestine * No plans to close Strait of Hormuz, regional trade route protected, says Iran envoy * Hundreds of earthquakes rattle Japanese island chain * Former president Yoon to be questioned on Saturday, requests privacy protection * Indian investigators download black box data from fatal Air India crash * North Korea may send more troops to Russia in July or August for Ukraine war, Seoul says * Labourer in India fights off leopard attack in Gladiator style with bare hands * Nikkei rises to 5-month high as Middle East calm boosts tech shares * Commuter traffic stops for whales on Australia's humpback highway * Six dead in southwest China flooding * Malaysia's PPI declines 3.6% in May 2025 - DOSM * How China's manufacturing hub spins a new yarn to become a tech powerhouse * Syed Saddiq says he's grateful to actress Bella Astillah, calls her an extraordinary woman: 'I will never forget her kindness' * Powerwell secures RM8.3mil data centre project in Indonesia * South Korea's convenience stores compete with ultra-cheap options as restaurant prices soar * WhatsApp launches AI-powered message summaries for chats * Bursa Malaysia firmer at midday * Sivasangari exits PSA Finals winless * Letshanaa stuns former world champ Okuhara in US Open first round * Oil rises as draw in US crude stocks signals firm demand * Stocks down with eyes on Middle East, dollar hit by Trump Fed comment * Global matcha 'obsession' drinks Japan tea farms dry * Rory brings back Asian Championships snooker title * China hosts Iranian, Russian defence ministers against backdrop of 'momentous change' * South Korea's Lee urges approval of US$22.5bil extra budget * More people are buying premium insurance with global travel disruptions * Chinese toymaker takes drastic action to survive Trump's tariffs * Malaysia and Singapore to boost youth volunteerism * China can't buy Nvidia's RTX 4090. Now its optical chip is twice as fast * Ringgit rises against US$ as markets digest Fed's tariff caution * Blue chips creep higher as investor stay cautious over Middle East ceasefire * Chinese actress Nashi accused of faking records to take college entrance exam * North Korea opens landmark coastal Wonsan tourist zone * US marine gets seven years' prison for sexual assault * Court rejects arrest warrant for ex-president Yoon * Beijing calls CIA videos 'absurd' attempt to recruit spies * 'The water rose very quickly' * British nationals facing a year in prison for drug charges * Li warns of rising trade barriers
The Sun
5 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Scam response centre gets major upgrade to fight menace
KUALA LUMPUR: With scam-related losses climbing to RM1.5 billion and the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) fielding up to 500 calls a day, the government is ramping it up with a major operational upgrade. In September, the NSRC will relocate to a larger, purpose-built facility in Cyberjaya. Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution said the move will allow the centre to function more effectively with increased staffing and better support mechanisms. 'Alongside enforcement improvements and legislative amendments, public awareness programmes will be intensified to address the increasingly complex nature of scams,' he said during a press conference yesterday. Saifuddin said the new facility offers a more spacious, accurate and conducive working environment which will allow the centre to centralise its key operations. He added that the premises will be equipped with all necessary components, including a physical complaints counter. 'Currently, NSRC operations are supported by the police and other partner agencies. In the initial phase, 40 personnel from the Commercial Crime Investigation Department will be assigned to the centre. We are aware of the staffing shortage within the commercial crime unit, but we are making use of internal resources as a temporary measure.' He added as of now, 18 officers are handling calls simultaneously, and this number will be increased in stages to meet growing demand. 'The move will also involve the addition of 139 officers and greater inter-agency collaboration. At present, the centre operates with four core agencies but two more – the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry and the Securities Commission Malaysia – will soon come on board.' Saifuddin said the government amended several laws last year, including introducing Sections 424A and 424B in the Penal Code to increase penalties – with fines raised from RM1,000 to RM10,000. 'In the past, only an inspector could freeze an account under the Criminal Procedure Code, but now a sergeant has that authority. We've simplified the process,' he added. Saifudin highlighted that the centre's mechanisms will also be improved, including the ability to handle calls in four major languages – Bahasa Malaysia, English, Mandarin and Tamil – to better serve the public. He said complaints received by NSRC fall into two categories: general inquiries and real scam cases, the latter involving financial fraud, such as online scams, phishing or malware. 'The pattern of victims includes pensioners who have lost their retirement savings and working professionals. These are real financial crimes affecting everyday Malaysians. The centre operates 24/7 to respond to public complaints but the convention enables 24/7 cooperation at the international level, facilitating intelligence exchange when cross-border incidents occur.' He also announced that Malaysia is set to sign the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime in Vietnam at the end of October, a move that will strengthen real-time information sharing between countries. Saifuddin added that the upcoming Asean Ministerial Meeting on security in September will list online scams as one of its 10 key agenda items, with emphasis on capacity building, intelligence sharing and coordinated operations among member states. 'We will also intensify awareness campaigns as cybercrime is becoming increasingly sophisticated. Enforcement, prevention and legislative updates must go hand in hand to ensure our efforts to combat scams and fraudulent activities are truly effective.'
The Star
6 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
M'sia to ratify UN cyber pact
Fighting cybercrime: Saifuddin Nasution said the NSRC will be further empowered to tackle online scams. — Bernama Treaty will help address growing threats to cybersecurity MALAYSIA is set to ratify the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime in October, the House was told. Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said this was part of the effort to combat the growing threat of cybercrime, which is getting more sophisticated and creative. The convention is the first international treaty to address cybercrime by harmonising national laws, improving investigative techniques and increasing cooperation among nations. Saifuddin Nasution said the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) received an average of 500 calls a day from people reporting online scams. 'There is an increasing trend with regard to reports related to online scams and we have to respond to public complaints,' he said in reply to Chong Zhemin (PH-Kampar). Based on police records, Saifuddin said a total of 46,085 cybercrime reports were lodged last year with 49% of cases resolved. To further improve the battle against cybercrime, he said the NSRC was placed under the purview of the police, effective July. The NSRC comprises representatives from Bank Negara, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission and the police, and will have its own office in Cyberjaya. 'At the behest of the Prime Minister, the Public Service Department has also agreed to consider creating 139 new posts for the centre,' he added. Saifuddin Nasution revealed that the ministry is currently reviewing cybercrime laws to expand the power of enforcement agencies, and to include provisions for real-time strategic data collection. 'Cybercrime is getting more threatening and creative. Our laws on cybercrime cannot remain static but dynamic,' he added.
