KUCHING: Commercial crime cases in Sarawak — particularly scams — have surged significantly this year with an increase of 858 cases compared to last year’s figure.
Between Jan 1 and Jul 30 this year, the Sarawak Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) has opened a total of 2,256 investigation papers, representing a 61.37 per cent hike from 1,398 cases recorded in the same period last year.
Sarawak Police Commissioner Datuk Mancha Ata revealed that the spike in scams also translated into higher financial losses, with victims losing RM77.7 million as of Jul 30 this year.
This shows a 46.88 per cent jump or RM24.8 million more than the RM52.9 million losses recorded in the same timeframe last year.
“Lately, the department is receiving at least seven cases per day. If this upward trend is not curbed, total losses are projected to surpass RM100 million by the end of 2025.
“Such financial crimes could impose serious financial burdens on victims and threaten the economic security of families in Sarawak,” he said at a press conference this morning.
Based on compiled data, the largest group of scam victims were aged between 30 and 49, accounting for 584 individuals; followed by 439 victims aged 18 to 29; and 267 victims aged 50 and above — all of whom were from urban areas.
In terms of employment, private sector employees made up the majority with 497 victims, followed by civil servants (237), retirees (72), and others including students and self-employed individuals.
“To counter the growing threat of online scams, the Sarawak CCID has stepped up enforcement, arresting 867 suspects so far this year. Of the figure, 834 have been charged in court, involving 827 investigation papers.
“Among those charged were 832 account mules, a 30.2 per cent increase compared to 639 individuals charged during the same period last year,” he said.
In the first half of 2025, the CCID successfully busted three calling centre syndicates in Miri and Sibu involved in online fraud and illegal fund transfers.
Mancha said out that these syndicates were found in possession of multiple ATM cards belonging to other individuals, believed to be used as mule accounts.
In this case, 18 suspects were arrested in connection with these cases and charged in court under Section 424A and Section 120B of the Penal Code for possession or control of payment instruments and criminal conspiracy.
“We have also crippled a fake gold trading scam in Miri involving four suspects, who have since been charged under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating.
“In another case, seven suspects were arrested in Padawan for using fake payment receipts via QR codes, and have also been charged under Section 420 of the Penal Code,” he said.
