LETTERS: Cases of online fraud are increasingly worrying, and the authorities need to do more to combat this growing problem.
Recently, my picture was used by an irresponsible and unethical website to promote an unapproved medical product called the "Superman Tablet," which claims to restore male sexual desire. I promptly issued a press statement denying any involvement or connection with the website.
Furthermore, I made official reports to the police, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and CyberSecurity Malaysia. I am grateful to the relevant authorities for their swift action in my case.
I was informed that "we have already taken action to notify and advise the hosting provider to take down the website". Indeed, the original website was taken down. On the surface, it appeared that the issue was resolved and the case closed.
However, to my surprise, I came to know later that the same picture and content had appeared on another website, promoting the exact same unauthorised product.
This indicates that we are not resolving the root of the issue. Closing down one website does not deter the culprits from opening up another, or even thousands of other websites, and this can happen worldwide.
It is essential to recognise the broader implications of online fraud. These scams not only tarnish the reputations of individuals like myself but also undermine public trust in digital platforms and e-commerce.
The proliferation of fraudulent websites can lead to significant financial losses for consumers and damage the credibility of legitimate businesses.
The authorities must trace the site and identify the person or company behind the scheme. This can be achieved by deploying advanced technology or tracing payment methods used for selling unauthorised products.
The culprits must be brought to justice and punished according to our laws, such as the Communications and Multimedia Act and the Penal Code.
I also propose amending the laws to impose stiffer penalties for the wrongdoers. Without stronger legal repercussions, scammers will continue to operate with impunity.
As a concerned citizen, I urge the authorities to take urgent action to prevent more innocent citizens from falling victim to such scams.
TAN SRI LEE LAM THYE
Kuala Lumpur
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times