Latest news with #PreventionofCrimeAct
New Straits Times
2 days 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reminder by federal police Criminal Investigation Department director Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain to look into outdated laws must therefore be supported by all lawmakers and the public.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
09-05-2025
- New Straits Times
Kelantan police tracking down 211 people wanted for various offences
KOTA BARU: Kelantan police are tracking down 211 people wanted for various criminal offences, including 24 linked to sexual harassment cases since 2023. Kelantan police chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat said of the total, 206 are being tracked by the state Criminal Investigation Department, while five are listed under the Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department for drug-related offences. Yusoff said many of the suspects are wanted under Section 324 of the Penal Code for causing hurt with dangerous weapons, as well as Sections 457 and 379 for housebreaking and theft, respectively. "Among them are four people wanted under the Prevention of Crime Act (POCA) for involvement in organised or repeated criminal activity," he told the New Straits Times. He said the suspects are wanted for offences reported across all 10 districts in Kelantan, with the highest numbers recorded in Kota Baru and Pasir Mas. Yusoff also said most of the suspects are believed to be hiding outside the state, with some even thought to have fled to neighbouring countries. "Most of the suspects are men. "Only about 10 per cent are believed to still be in the state, while the rest are thought to have fled to other states such as Selangor and Kuala Lumpur, or crossed into neighbouring countries," he said. Yusoff said the 24 suspects in the sexual harassment cases came from various backgrounds. He added that some were known to the victims, including boyfriends, while others were strangers. "These are serious offences, and we are determined to bring all suspects to justice, regardless of where they are now," he said. Targeted operations have been launched to track down the suspects. "These operations are ongoing and will continue until all of them are apprehended. We are also working closely with other police contingents nationwide," he said. Yusoff urged members of the public with relevant information to come forward, stressing that public cooperation is crucial to ensuring justice is served.
