KUCHING: Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap has called for stronger enforcement and smarter preventive measures to curb the increasing number of scam cases in Sarawak.
Expressing concern over the surge in fraud-related incidents, he said scams have become increasingly sophisticated, targeting victims through online investment offers, fake job advertisements, e-commerce fraud, and impersonation of government or financial officers.
“Scams evolve quickly. Syndicates are using new technology, fake websites and social media to trick people.
“Enforcement agencies must keep up with these changes and take a more proactive, preventive approach,” he said in a statement.
Yap said that while awareness campaigns have been conducted from time to time, the continued rise in scam cases shows that more needs to be done, particularly for enforcement strategies to evolve in line with the fast-changing digital landscape.
He added that prevention is always better than cure, as it is far more effective to stop scams from happening than to only act after victims have lost their hard-earned money.
“Therefore, enforcement agencies should strengthen collaboration and communication with the public through more community-based education and digital awareness campaigns,” he said.
He said anti-scam education must go beyond posters and slogans, and should directly reach communities — including schools, villages, housing estates and workplaces — to ensure people understand how scams work and how to protect themselves.
“Financial institutions and digital platforms too must play a stronger and more responsible role in combating scams. Banks should improve their fraud detection and verification systems, enhance customer notification mechanisms, and freeze suspicious transactions more promptly to protect consumers.
“Financial institutions are the frontline of defence and must work hand in hand with enforcement agencies to stop scammers from exploiting the banking system,” he said.
Yap also called for greater coordination among the Sarawak Police Commercial Crime Unit, the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to detect and disrupt scam networks swiftly.
At the same time, he reminded the public to remain alert and not to be lured by promises of quick profits.
“We must all learn to pause, verify and think before we act. A moment of caution can prevent a lifetime of regret,” he said.
Yap reiterated that fighting scams requires cooperation among enforcement agencies, financial institutions, digital platforms and the public, especially as Sarawak advances into the digital economy.
He also reaffirmed that his service centre in Kota Sentosa will continue to work closely with enforcement authorities and community groups to support victims and promote sustained anti-scam education efforts.
