10-05-2025
Stay vigilant as today's cybercriminals use AI to launch sophisticated scams, Nancy tells women
Nancy (second right) observes a product display by an entrepreneur during the Women Empowerment Programme 2025.
KUCHING (May 10): Women entrepreneurs are increasingly being targeted by sophisticated online scam syndicates that exploit artificial intelligence (AI) and digital manipulation, said Women, Family and Community Development Minister Dato Sri Nancy Shukri.
She said these cybercriminals use advanced techniques, including doctored images and videos of national leaders such as the Prime Minister and Sarawak Premier, to deceive victims into believing they are being offered financial aid or lucrative investment opportunities.
'These syndicates are targeting women, especially entrepreneurs, single mothers, retirees, as well as individuals who are actively doing business or newly applying for bank loans.
'Never click on any unverified links or scan suspicious QR codes, as your money could disappear in an instant,' she said when launching the Women Empowerment Programme 2025 for the Santubong Parliament constituency, organised by the Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) here today.
The Santubong MP stressed the need to enhance digital literacy among women so they can navigate online platforms safely and spot potential scams.
She even shared her own experience of nearly falling victim to a scam call falsely claiming her loan had been approved.
'So if we're not alert about these matters, it will become a norm. These syndicates are smart in targeting those who recently applied for loans. Without awareness, many, especially women, will get caught,' she said.
To tackle this growing threat, she said the ministry will continue to collaborate with relevant agencies to provide trained speakers who can educate the public on scam prevention and legal recourse.
'This awareness is crucial, not just about technology and AI, but also about the actions to take if one becomes a victim. Otherwise, we'll only end up complaining among ourselves without knowing what steps to take next,' she said.
Nancy also reminded women entrepreneurs that while courage is essential in business, so is the wisdom to assess risks carefully.
'Not all investments yield immediate returns. However, with the right knowledge and networks, they can open doors to long-term success,' she said.
She highlighted various government initiatives designed to support women, including the Women Entrepreneurship Incubation Programme, One-Stop Social Support Centres, and the implementation of Gender Responsive Policies in both public and private sectors.
All these initiatives, she added, require active involvement from all parties, including non-governmental organisations, the corporate sector, local communities, and the women themselves.
Meanwhile, MARA Council Member Siti Ajar Yasin reiterated MARA's commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs through inclusive support initiatives.
She revealed that in 2024, MARA Sarawak disbursed RM1.1 million in matching grants under four schemes – MERIT, ADAPT, BEST, and DIGITALBIZ – benefiting 610 Bumiputera entrepreneurs, including 348 women.
'As of May 2025, 153 entrepreneurs have received MARA financing amounting to RM19.5 million, with 60 of them being women who received a total of RM4.2 million in funding.
'This includes 21 women entrepreneurs who received funding under the DanaNITA Scheme amounting to RM715,000,' she added. AI entrepreneurs nancy shukri scam women
