KUALA LUMPUR, JUNE 15 — Losses due to online fraud crimes in 2025 will reach RM2.97 billion, an increase of RM1.40 billion compared to RM1.57 billion the previous year, indicating an increasingly worrying trend in cybercrime.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Mohd Khalid Ismail said that of the total, non-existent investment fraud recorded the highest loss value of RM1.47 billion.
He said a total of 66,204 cases of online fraud were recorded in 2025, an increase of 87 percent compared to 35,368 cases in 2024.
“Phone scams remain a major threat with 28,388 cases reported in 2025,” he said when speaking at the “Fight Scams: Two Teams, One Goal” Launching Ceremony here today.
Also present were Public Bank Bhd Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Tan Sri Tay Ah Lek, Bukit Aman Commercial Crime Investigation Department (JSJK) Director Datuk Rusdi Mohd Isa and Bukit Aman department directors.
Mohd Khalid said the recorded figures were not just statistics, but rather involved thousands of victims who lost their source of income and future as a result of being deceived by fraud syndicates.
He said in the rapidly developing era of digitalization, fraud syndicates are constantly updating their tactics and modus operandi by exploiting technological advances and the sophistication of modern communication platforms.
“Therefore, prevention, education and cultural awareness efforts in digital security are now urgent priorities and need to be continuously strengthened,” he said.
Mohd Khalid also welcomed the implementation of the PB Scam Rangers Program , which is the result of a strategic collaboration between JSJK and Public Bank Bhd, which is described as a progressive step in strengthening financial literacy and cyber security among the community.
“Through an approach that focuses on public education, we are able to form a society that is more sensitive, knowledgeable and has high resilience against various forms of criminal manipulation and fraud,” he said.
— BERNAMA
