KUCHING: Online scam cases in Sarawak have resulted in losses of RM90.4 million between Jan 1 and June 30 this year.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Saifullizan Ishak said the figure represents an increase of RM23.6 million, or 35.38 per cent, compared with RM66.7 million recorded during the same period last year.
He said the Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) Sarawak had intensified enforcement and investigative efforts against commercial crimes.
The efforts resulted in the arrest of 1,068 suspects, all of whom have been charged in court, reflecting the police’s commitment to bringing commercial criminals to justice.
“Between Jan 1 and June 30, a total of 2,530 commercial crime cases were recorded in Sarawak compared to 1,856 cases during the same period in 2025, an increase of 674 cases or 36.31 per cent.
“The increase was mainly driven by cybercrime cases, including e-commerce scams, non-existent investment scams, non-existent loan scams, fake job offers and telecommunications fraud or phone scams,” he said.
Saifullizan said this in his speech during the Sarawak Police Contingent monthly assembly held at the Sarawak Police Contingent headquarters here today (July 21).
Saifullizan said the statistics showed that commercial crime not only threatened the economic security of the public but also had a significant impact on the well-being of victims and their families.
Meanwhile, he said CCID Sarawak successfully dismantled an online fraud syndicate through the arrest of two suspects involved in withdrawing and transferring proceeds of cyber fraud using automated teller machines (ATMs) belonging to various banks in the Miri district.
“Thorough investigations led to the prosecution of one accused under Section 424A of the Penal Code on June 29, 2026.
“This success demonstrates the efficiency, commitment and dedication of CCID Sarawak officers and personnel in detecting, investigating and bringing commercial criminals to justice,” he said.
