SIBU, Feb 25: Sibu District is one of the hotspots that contribute to high online fraud cases, said Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee.
“I was informed about the matter by Sibu District Police Chief ACP Zulkipli Suhaili during a briefing on Saturday (February 24).
“Scam cases has made Sibu ‘popular’ because many people have become victims of online fraud,” said the Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development today, when speaking at the inauguration of the “Online Job Fraud Awareness” campaign.
Dr Annuar highlighted that among the victims are professional groups such as teachers, retirees, and civil servants, as well as other unexpected groups.
“I don’t think the people of Sibu are not smart, but cases involving various types of online fraud happen a lot among our community.
“I think that this is due to the lack of knowledge on how to face the situation when they are approached with offers,” he stressed.
The Nangka assemblyman also said that lack of knowledge about modus operandi and online fraud tactics also contributed to the increase in cases like this.
Following that, Dr Annuar wants the relevant parties to organise more awareness campaigns about online fraud here.
He emphasised that this is important to foster awareness among the public and expose them to knowledge of how to counter online fraud tactics.
“Be reminded that no one will deal with us over the phone, either from the government department or agency. No business will be done over the phone involving money,” he said.
Meanwhile, Dr Annuar expressed hope that the participants in this campaign can share knowledge gained with other family members and friends for awareness in dealing with the problem of cyber crime.
The campaign is organised by the National Consumer Action Council (MTPN) Sibu Branch in collaboration with the Sibu District Police Headquarters (IPD) and the Malaysian Immigration Department (JIM) Sibu.
Also present was MTPN Sibu Branch Chairman Lucas Lau. — DayakDaily
