KUCHING: Commercial crimes in Sarawak rose sharply in the first quarter of 2026, with 1,304 cases compared to 849 during the same period last year.
The increase of 455 cases, or 53.59 per cent, reflects a worrying trend, particularly the growing prevalence of cyber-related offences.
Meanwhile, total losses also climbed to RM42.6 million this year, up from RM33.8 million last year – an increase of RM8.7 million or 25.83 per cent.
Sarawak Police Commissioner Datuk Mohamad Zainal Abdullah said the surge must be taken seriously as it clearly indicates that commercial crimes, especially cybercrimes, are becoming more widespread and require more aggressive and focused enforcement approaches.
“Online scams remain the primary driver of the increase, involving e-commerce fraud, non-existent investment schemes, bogus loans, fake job offers, and telecommunications scams or phone scams.
“The modus operandi of these crimes is becoming increasingly sophisticated, utilising technology and digital platforms to deceive victims regardless of age, education or occupation,” he said during the Sarawak Police Contingent Headquarters’ (IPK) Monthly Assembly on Thursday (April 23).
In terms of financial impact, the figures reflect the significant impact of such crimes on public economic well-being and highlights the need for firm and continuous action by authorities.
Comm Zainal stated that investment scams recorded the highest losses at RM25 million involving 199 cases. This was followed by phone scams with 89 cases and losses of RM5.7 million.
“Non-existent loan scams accounted for 214 cases with losses of RM1.5 million, while e-commerce scams saw 272 cases involving RM1.4 million in losses.
“Job scams made up 73 cases with losses amounting to RM1 million.”
To curb the rising trend, the Sarawak Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) has intensified targeted enforcement operations, with 508 individuals arrested and charged in court so far this year.
Among the key successes were the dismantling of several calling centre syndicates using WhatsApp, websites and sim box or GSM gateway equipment to carry out scams targeting both local and international victims.
He stated that police also crippled syndicates involved in the sale of ATM cards for fraudulent purposes in Kuching and Padawan, illegal moneylending operations in Sibu, and online gaming scam syndicates.
