KUCHING: Commercial crime in Sarawak has spiked sharply this year, surging by 57.67 per cent compared to the same period in 2024.
The worrying trend that has cost victims almost RM90 million.
From Jan 1 to Aug 31, the Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) has recorded 2,622 cases with losses amounting to RM89.9 million, with e-commerce scams, fake investments, non-existent loans and phone scams being the main contributors.
Sarawak Police Commissioner Datuk Mancha Ata shared this information during the Sarawak police monthly assembly at the state contingent police headquarters this morning.
“Among the key successes were the crippling of three calling centre syndicates in Miri and Sibu, which saw 18 suspects charged under Section 424A and 120B of the Penal Code.
“The other success would be the busting of a fake gold trading syndicate and QR code scams in Padawan,” he said.
This year alone, Sarawak police have arrested a total of 1,091 suspects in connection with commercial crimes.
On narcotics, Mancha stated that 7,799 arrests were made between Jan 1 and Aug 31 — an increase of 248 cases compared to 7,489 during the same period last year.
These involved drug supply, possession and positive urine tests, with 448 drug pushers among those nabbed.
“Drug seizures were valued at RM23.6 million — a 96.1 per cent jump from RM12 million in 2024 — while assets worth RM15.8 million were confiscated from drug traffickers, representing a 363.6 per cent increase from RM3.4 million previously.
“However, preventive action under the Dangerous Drugs (Special Preventive Measures) Act 1985 saw a drop of 37.5 per cent, with 15 arrests compared to 24 last year,” he said.
He pointed out that drug trends have shifted from traditional substances like opium and heroin to synthetic drugs such as syabu, ecstasy and magic mushrooms, which he described as more harmful to both mental and physical health.
To strengthen operations, Mancha said the Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department (NCID) recently received four four-wheel-drive vehicles from the Sarawak government.
“These assets are vital in strengthening operations in interior and border areas that are challenging in terms of geography and logistics.
“They will be used to enhance patrols, monitoring, and operational actions in high-risk zones, particularly along smuggling routes and remote locations that are difficult to access.
“With these vehicles, the Sarawak NCID will be able to respond more swiftly and effectively in combating drug-related crimes, in line with the ongoing commitment to protect society from the threat of drugs,” he said.
