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The Sun
01-08-2025
- The Sun
Rising scam cases in Sarawak cause concern, police warn
KUCHING: Fraud cases in Sarawak have surged significantly this year, raising alarm among authorities. Sarawak Police Commissioner Datuk Mancha Ata revealed that from January 1 to July 30, 2,256 commercial crime investigation papers were opened, marking an 858-case increase compared to the same period in 2024. The spike in scams has also led to higher financial losses. Victims in Sarawak lost RM77.7 million this year, up by RM24.8 million from RM52.9 million in 2024. 'If this trend continues, losses could exceed RM100 million by year-end,' Mancha warned in a statement today. Data shows most victims are aged between 30 and 40. Employment-wise, private sector workers, civil servants, and retirees form the majority, followed by students and self-employed individuals. Scammers are employing increasingly sophisticated tactics, including fake online sales, bogus investments, non-existent loans, and fraudulent job offers. Authorities urge the public to stay vigilant and verify transactions before proceeding. - Bernama
Borneo Post
01-08-2025
- Borneo Post
Worrying spike in commercial crimes for Sarawak with RM77.7 mln lost in first seven months
Mancha shows the commercial crime statistics with Sarawak CCID chief Supt Maria Rasid. – Photo by Chimon Upon KUCHING (Aug 1): Sarawak has recorded a worrying spike in commercial crime cases, with 2,256 incidents reported between January and July 30 this year. Sarawak police commissioner Datuk Mancha Ata said the reported cases involved losses amounting to RM77.7 million — an increase of 46.8 per cent compared to RM52.9 million in the same period last year. 'This equates to an average of around seven cases reported daily. 'If these trends are not curbed, total losses could exceed RM100 million by the end of the year, placing significant financial strain on victims and jeopardising household financial security in Sarawak,' he told a press conference here today. On scammers' modus operandi and tactics, Mancha said the fraudulent cases involved e-commerce scams, non-existent investment scams, money-lending scams, job scams, phone scams, as well as mule accounts. On the breakdown of victims, he said based on police data the majority were aged between 30 and 40 years (584), 18 and 29 (439), and 50 and above (267). 'Most of them consisted of those working in the private sector (497), followed by government servants (237), retirees (72), and the rest of them were students and those who are self-employed,' he said. He pointed out most of these cases were reported in urban areas. In terms of enforcement, Mancha said 867 suspects were arrested as of July, out of which 834 have been charged in court involving 827 investigation papers. 'Those prosecuted for mule accounts also increased to 832 individuals, compared to 639 people recorded last year,' he said. Based on an analysis of the cases, Mancha said the police identified key factors behind the public's vulnerability to scams, such as lack of awareness about how scammers operate, with many victims lured by promises of high investment returns within a short time. Panic and fear were also cited as major influences, particularly when scammers posed as authorities or bank representatives. 'In addition, many victims failed to verify the authenticity of phone numbers, account numbers, or suspicious links they received. 'Delayed reporting was another concern, with some victims feeling ashamed or embarrassed to admit they had been duped,' he said. He advised the public to exercise caution when confronted with offers or messages that appear too good to be true, and not to disclose their banking details to anyone. Phone numbers or bank accounts should be verified through the Whoscall app and the official Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) Semak Mule portal. Family members are urged to educate elderly relatives and young people to be cautious of viral messages and unauthorised investment opportunities. Victims should also contact the National Scam Response Centre's (NSRC) 24-hour hotline on 997 should they fall victim to a scam. commercial crime Mancha Ata
New Straits Times
01-08-2025
- New Straits Times
Sarawakians lost RM77.7mil to scams in seven months
KUCHING: Online scam victims in Sarawak have lost a combined RM77.7 million in seven months, a nearly 47 per cent increase from the RM52.9 million recorded in the same period last year. Sarawak Police Commissioner Datuk Mancha Ata said the increase is in tandem with the rise in commercial crimes. In the first seven months of the year, 2,256 cases were recorded compared to 1,398 cases in the same period last year, a 61 per cent increase. "If this trend continues, losses from scams could hit RM100 million by the end of the year. This is worrying," he said at a press conference at the Sarawak police headquarters today. Mancha said scammers were using more complex tactics, including the use of false receipts to demand money from businesses. Most of the victims were aged 30 to 40, followed by those aged 18 to 29 and senior citizens. He added that most people fall victim to scams because they are unaware of the scammers' modus operandi, want to make a quick profit, or panic when contacted by scammers posing as enforcement authorities. So far, 867 scam suspects have been arrested, with 834 charged in court. "The number of mule accounts detected has also increased from 639 last year to 832 this year," he said. He added that the police's biggest bust was raids on three call centres used by syndicates in Miri and Sibu.
BusinessToday
28-07-2025
- Business
- BusinessToday
Alpha IVF Reported RM57 Million PATMI For FY25, Looks Set For Philippine Expansion
Alpha IVF Group Berhad achieved its highest-ever profit after tax and minority interests (PATMI) of RM57.5 million in the financial year ended 31 May 2025 (FY2025), a 8.5% increase from RM52.9 million in the previous year. The strong bottom-line performance was supported by revenue growth of 5.5% to RM176.8 million in FY2025 from RM167.6 million in the previous year, led by the Group's Malaysia operations, particularly the foreign patient segment. Malaysia operations contributed RM157.2 million, or 88.9% of the Group's total revenue in FY2025, a 16.0% increase from RM135.5 million in the previous year, or 80.9% of the Group's total revenue. The Group's Singapore operations contributed the remaining RM19.6 million. For Malaysia operations, local demand remained stable, while foreign patient revenue regained momentum this quarter, with all key markets, including China, Indonesia, and Singapore, recording an upward trend. The contribution of foreign patients to Malaysia's operations saw significant growth in FY2025, rising to RM110.1 million or 70.0% of total revenue, from RM81.8 million or 60.4% in FY2024. In the fourth quarter ended 31 May 2025 (4Q25), the Group's revenue rose 7.0% year-on-year to RM50.0 million from RM46.7 million previously, while PATMI saw a 14.7% increase to RM16.1 million from RM14.0 million in the corresponding quarter of the previous year. The Group declared a second interim dividend of 0.50 sen per share in respect of FY2025, payable on 29 August 2025. Together with the first interim dividend of 0.50 sen per share paid on 31 December 2024, the total dividends for FY2025 amount to 1.00 sen per share, representing a payout of RM48.6 million or 84.6% of PATMI. This is well above the Group's commitment to distribute at least 60% of its annual PATMI for shareholders. The medical outfit announced that it is establishing a new, full-fledged fertility treatment centre in Tuguegarao, Philippines, marking the Group's second planned facility in the country. The group said the centre will provide minimally invasive surgery in Gynaecology, which is expected to contribute significantly to the centre's revenue. Related
