Phone Scam Remains Nation’s Primary Threat
KUALA LUMPUR – Online fraud cases increased by 87 per cent in 2025 compared to the previous year, indicating a very worrying trend.
National Police Chief, Tan Sri Mohd Khalid Ismail said that 2025 recorded 66,204 online fraud cases, a drastic increase of 87 per cent compared to 35,368 cases in 2024.
According to him, in terms of losses, the figure recorded in 2025 reached RM2.97 billion, an increase of RM1.40 billion compared to the previous year.
“Of that total, phone scams remain the primary threat with 28,388 cases reported.
“Non-existent investment scams recorded the highest losses, reaching RM1.47 billion for the same period,” he said during a speech at the Launch of the Fight Scams: Two Teams One Goal event here on Monday.
Also present were Public Bank Berhad Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Tan Sri Dr Tay Ah Lek, and the Director of the Bukit Aman Commercial Crime Investigation Department (JSJK), Datuk Rusdi Mohd Isa.
Mohd Khalid added that these figures are not merely statistics on paper, but reflect the thousands of victims whose livelihoods and futures have been affected by the cunning of fraud syndicates.
He said that in an era dominated by digital technology, reliance on online transactions has opened up space for exploitation by cybercriminals.
“The increasingly complex evolution of online fraud or scams demands a more comprehensive, dynamic approach based on strategic collaboration.
“This threat not only results in financial losses but also disrupts social well-being, erodes public confidence in the digital ecosystem, and has a negative impact on the nation’s overall economic stability,” he said.
He added that in this fast-paced digital era, these syndicates continuously update their tactics and operational methods by exploiting technological advances and the sophistication of modern communication platforms.
“Prevention efforts, education, and the cultivation of digital safety awareness have now become urgent priorities that need to be continuously strengthened.”
Sinar Harian