KUCHING: A pressing need arises for the formulation of a novel social policy to address the challenge of loneliness amidst an ageing population.
Highlighting this concern, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said one of the ramifications of loneliness is its tendency to render individuals susceptible to falling victim to love scams.
“Loneliness is a problem now, and it is affecting not only Singapore and Malaysia but also other countries.
“Sometimes, when individuals feel lonely, they may engage in online conversations in search of companionship. However, there is a risk, and this is going to be an issue in modern society when we are facing an ageing population.
“Because of that, people will use situations of loneliness to their advantage. Hence, we must plan our social policy so that the community does not feel too alone and being victims of scams,” he said.
He said this when officiating at the State-level 2023 National Anti Scam Roadshow held at the Borneo Cultures Museum today (Sept 2).
Citing previous data of the Sarawak Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID), Abang Johari said in 2022 it has been recorded that there are 2,461 cases of fraud, breach of trust, cybercrime, fraud and others.
“Meanwhile, from a total loss of RM 63.7 million, among the cases involving the most victims in Sarawak are online fraud with 453 cases with a total loss of RM 2.5 million; online job scams (225 cases with a loss of RM 2.9 million); and impersonation fraud (183 cases with a loss of RM 4.2 million),” he said.
Abang Johari further said there are pros and cons of using technology and which is why the digital economy agenda was launched when he took over as the Chief Minister in 2017.
“The usage of technology is like a ‘knife’, you either use it for good or bad purposes. But it depends on people’s consciousness on how to use it.
“That is why we launched the digital economy and at the same time we work with the federal government to educate the people on how to use technology and understand the risks involved,” he said.
