KUALA LUMPUR: The Federal Commercial Crime Investigation Department is intensifying its efforts to combat online scams by collaborating with regional counterparts.
Its director Datuk Seri Ramli Mohamed Yoosuf said it was important to have information exchange with neighbouring agencies, including those in Singapore and the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), to stay ahead of evolving scam tactics.
"We regularly compare notes with other agencies in the region.
"Our collaboration with international bodies like the FBI is crucial for tracking and understanding online scam syndicates," he said when contacted today.
This response follows a recent revelation by Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo, who announced that RM3.18 billion had been lost to online scams, affecting over 95,800 victims between 2021 and April 2024.
Gobind shared this statistic during the signing of memorandums of understanding (MoUs) between Axiata Group Berhad, CyberSecurity Malaysia (CSM), and Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC).
Ramli also outlined ongoing and future initiatives to address the issue.
"We are enhancing scam prevention campaigns and improving investigative techniques.
Additionally, amendments to the Penal Code and the Criminal Procedure Code, currently under consideration, would bolster our efforts against mule accounts," he said.
Ramli said the department operated as a dedicated task force to combat online scams, meeting daily to strategise on tackling cases and raising public awareness.
"We focus on understanding new scam methods and improving our case investigations. Engaging with the media is also part of our strategy to inform the public," he said.
He also said that there were plans to expand the department's workforce.
"We are in the process of adding more personnel to better address these challenges," he added.