KUCHING: A total of 23,367 online scam cases involving losses of RM680.3 million were reported in Malaysia within just the first four months of 2026, highlighting the growing threat of cybercrime and the urgent need for stronger online safety awareness.
Deputy Communications Minister, Teo Nie Ching, said according to the statistics released by the Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) of the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), the trend of online scam cases shows a very alarming increase.
“In 2024, a total of 35,470 cases were recorded, involving losses amounting to RM1.5 billion. This figure more than doubled in 2025 to 74,744 cases, with losses drastically rising to RM2.9 billion,” she added.
“Meanwhile, for this year, during just the first four months alone (January to April 2026), a total of 23,367 online scam cases were reported, involving losses of RM680.3 million.”
Teo said this during the officiating ceremony of ‘Karnival Komuniti Kempen Internet Selamat’ at Tropics City Kuching here today (May 22).
She noted that the internet has become an essential part of daily life, serving as a crucial medium for education, business, employment and communication.
“Through the internet, students can learn more easily, entrepreneurs can expand their businesses, and communities can stay connected while accessing information quickly,” she said.
However, due to the cases reported, she warned that the rapid growth of internet usage has exposed society to increasing cybersecurity threats and online misconduct.
Teo said the threats were not limited to financial losses alone as social media platforms were also increasingly being misused for cyberbullying, obscene content, gambling activities and the spread of fake news.
Meanwhile, she also mentioned that cyberbullying and online harassment remained critical concerns, revealing that the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) recorded 59,290 content removal requests between 2022 and April 2026.
“Of that number, a total of 44,676 pieces of content were removed by platforms in order to protect the emotional well-being and safety of users,” she said.
“The data clearly shows that issues related to online safety, and misuse of digital content, require continuous attention to ensure a safer and more responsible Internet environment, especially in Sarawak.”
