Latest news with #RM532
New Straits Times
05-08-2025
- New Straits Times
Over RM500mil lost to phone scammers since 2023
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian of all age groups have lost a staggering half a billion ringgit to phone scams in the past three years, police said. Bukit Aman Commercial Crime Investigation Department director Datuk Rusdi Mohd Isa said the department recorded 7,473 phone scam cases from 2023 to June this year, involving losses amounting to RM532,765,591.07. "These scams are not slowing down. In 2023 alone, we received 3,027 reports involving RM158.8 million in losses, and we arrested 1,139 individuals linked to syndicates," he said. "In 2024, the number of cases dipped slightly to 2,825, but losses remained high at RM142.2 million, with 1,281 arrests made." "Between January and June this year, police have registered 1,621 cases, totalling RM72.95 million in losses. We arrested 713 suspects." He said these figures show how widespread and damaging phone scams had become. Scammers prey on victims using fear, deception and false authority. YOUNG ADULTS MAIN TARGET Rusdi said the highest number of victims fell within the 21 to 30 age group, with 2,736 cases reported over the two-and-a-half year period. "This group is likely more exposed to technology and mobile phone usage, which scammers exploit." The second group of victims belonged to the 31 to 40 age group with 1,361 cases reported, followed by the 41 to 50 age group with 1,037 cases reported. He said 914 victims were from the 61 and above age group, followed by 858 victims from the 51 to 60 age group. He added that the group with the least number of victims were those in the 15 to 20 age group, with 528 cases reported. FEAR AND IGNORANCE Rusdi said scammers relied on psychological pressure, often targeting people who were unaware of official investigation procedures and those easily frightened. "The first thing syndicates do is create fear. They claim the victim has been involved in criminal offences such as drug trafficking, money laundering or hit-and-run accidents. "The victim is then threatened with arrest or legal action." He said many victims were either too afraid or ashamed to consult others, including family members or spouses, leading them to comply with the scammer's instructions. Despite ongoing public awareness campaigns, Rusdi said many were unaware that authorities, especially the police, do not conduct investigations via phone calls. This lack of knowledge remains one of the key reasons scammers continue to succeed. "The most important thing to remember is to remain calm and remember that government agencies do not transfer phone calls between different agencies. "People panic when told they are in trouble with the law. That panic, combined with not knowing the correct procedures, makes them vulnerable. "Education is still our strongest defence." Rusdi urged the public to share verified information about scams and speak openly about suspicious experiences so that others may learn and be better protected. He also advised the public to lodge a report if they receive a suspicious call or believe that they have been targeted. "Early reporting gives us a better chance of identifying and stopping these syndicates.
The Star
26-06-2025
- The Star
Suspected drug syndicate leader released on bail
SIBU: A 52-year-old man, believed to be the mastermind behind the state's largest drug trafficking syndicate, has been released on police bail following the expiry of his remand period. The decision was made on Thursday (June 26) by Senior Assistant Court Registrar Jessica Lee Suk Kiun, acting as Magistrate, after Investigating Officer Inspector Aminur Rizwan Saiful Bahari submitted an application. The suspect, who was not represented, had previously been remanded for seven days from June 20. Earlier, his 44-year-old wife was also released on police bail on June 24 after the expiry of a four-day extended remand. The couple were arrested following a series of raids carried out by the Sibu District Narcotics Criminal Investigation Division (JSJN) on June 12 and 13. Drugs and assets seized from them totalled RM8.5mil, marking the biggest haul in the state's history. The raids were conducted at a shop located at the Pedada Commercial Centre and two terraced houses in Lorong Permai Jaya. As a result of the operation, police managed to seize various types of drugs with an estimated street value of RM532,934.40. The haul included 7,086.7 grams of syabu, 2,078.9 grams of ketamine, and 2,022.6 grams of Erimin 5 pills. Also confiscated during the operation were RM5.16mil in cash, four gold bars, two gold chains, two luxury Rolex watches, and three vehicles. Preliminary investigations suggest that the couple are believed to be the principal figures behind a drug trafficking syndicate that has been actively operating in the Sibu area since 2015.
Borneo Post
26-06-2025
- Borneo Post
Suspected Sibu drug trafficking syndicate mastermind released on police bail
The suspect is escorted to the courtroom. SIBU (June 26): A 52-year-old man suspected of being the mastermind of a drug trafficking syndicate here with his wife was released on police bail today. Senior Assistant Registrar Jessica Lee issued the release order based on an application by investigating officer Insp Aminur Rizwan Saiful Bahari. The suspect did not have legal representation. His 44-year-old wife, who was represented by lawyer Darren Ling, was released on Tuesday after the expiration of her remand order. The husband and wife were arrested after police raided a space at Jalan Pedada and two terraced houses at Lorong Permai Jaya on June 12 and 13. Drugs worth RM532,934 were seized involving 7.0867kg of methamphetamine, 2.0789kg of ketamine, and 2.0226kg of Erimin 5 pills. Also seized were cash totalling RM5.1 million, four gold bars, two gold necklaces, three Rolex watches, two luxury cars, and a saloon car. The seizures worth a total RM8.5 million are believed to be the highest ever recorded in Sarawak. Initial police investigations pointed to the husband and wife allegedly being the main masterminds of the drug syndicate, which had been active since 2015. The syndicate sourced its drugs from Peninsular Malaysia using courier services. The case is being investigated under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, which carries the death penalty or life imprisonment. If not sentenced to death, the offender must also receive a minimum 12 strokes of the cane.
The Star
24-06-2025
- The Star
Court orders release of woman linked to Sibu drug syndicate
SIBU: The Magistrates' Court has ordered the release of a 44-year-old woman previously detained with her husband on suspicion of masterminding a drug trafficking syndicate in Sibu since 2015. Magistrate Oon Kork Chern granted the release order on Tuesday (June 24) following an application by investigating officer Insp Aminur Rizwan Saiful Bahari. The woman, represented by solicitor Darren Ling, had been held on remand for four days since June 20. Her 52-year-old husband remains in custody under a seven-day remand and will appear in court again on Thursday (June 26) for further investigation. The couple were apprehended during a major operation by the Sibu Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department on June 12 and 13 at locations around Jalan Pedada Commercial Centre and Lorong Permai Jaya. The raids led to the confiscation of drugs valued at RM532,934.40, including 7,086.7gms of syabu, 2,078.9gms of ketamine, and 2,022.6gms of Erimin 5 pills. Authorities also seized RM5.15mil in cash, four gold bars, two gold chains, two Rolex watches, and three luxury vehicles, bringing the total estimated value of the seizure to RM8.53mil. Investigations suggest the syndicate has been active in drug trafficking across the Sibu area for nearly a decade, with the couple identified as key figures in the operation.
Borneo Post
20-06-2025
- Borneo Post
Sibu married couple alleged to have led drug trafficking syndicate further remanded
The male suspect is escorted out of the courtroom following proceedings. SIBU (June 20): The Magistrates' Court here today further remanded a husband and wife arrested recently for allegedly masterminding a drug trafficking syndicate. Magistrate Oon Kork Chern allowed the 52-year-old male suspect to be further remanded for seven days, while his 44-year-old wife was remanded for another four days, following the expiration of their initial seven-day remand order which began on June 13. The court also ordered the female suspect, represented by lawyer Darren Ling, to reappear in court on June 24, while the male suspect, who was unrepresented, will return to court on June 27. Investigating officer Insp Aminur Rizwan Saiful Bahari had requested the court extend the remand of both suspects for seven more days to assist with investigations. On June 12 and 13 , police from the Sibu Narcotics Crime Investigation Division had raided a shop on Jalan Pedada and two terraced houses in Permai Jaya, leading to the couple's arrests. Drugs worth RM532,934 were seized involving 7.0867kg of methamphetamine, 2.0789kg of ketamine, and 2.0226kg of Erimin 5 pills. Also seized from the syndicate were cash totalling RM5.1 million, four gold bars, two gold necklaces, three Rolex watches, two luxury cars, and a saloon car. The seizures worth a total RM8.5 million are believed to be the highest ever recorded in Sarawak. Initial police investigations revealed that both suspects were the main masterminds behind the drug syndicate, which had been active in Sibu since 2015. The syndicate sourced its drugs from Peninsular Malaysia using courier services. The case is being investigated under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act, which carries the death penalty or life imprisonment. If not sentenced to death, the offender must also receive a minimum 12 strokes of the cane. drug syndicate lead married couple Sibu magistrates' court
