KUCHING: Sarawak recorded 1,177 scam calls with an estimated loss of RM12.5 million from October 2022 to September 2023.
Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) deputy governor Datuk Marzunisham Omar said that data from the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) showed 53,783 scam calls with an estimated loss of RM188 million nationwide.
“Most financial scam victims in Sarawak are under 40 years old and these scams involve e-commerce fraud, nonexistent loans, and telecommunications fraud,” he said.
Marzunisham made these remarks during the Bank Negara Financial Literacy Exhibition at the Borneo Cultures Museum, officiated by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg yesterday (Nov 9).
He advised the public not to share personal banking information with unknown entities, whether by phone or on websites.
“People are also cautioned against clicking on suspicious links sent via text messages or emails and to only download apps from official mobile channels,” he added.
Regarding the exhibition, Marzunisham highlighted its role in enhancing financial literacy among Malaysians, an agenda BNM had pursued for a long time.
He said the savings campaigns for school students was launched as far back as 1997, when creative initiatives, such as Buku Wang Saku with financial topics presented in cartoon forms by Datuk Lat (Datuk Mohammad Nor Khalid) were employed to educate young students about money management.
Marzunisham added the exhibition was launched in 2015 and has since expanded to various states in Malaysia, including Kedah, Pulau Pinang, Perak, Terengganu, Sabah, and now in Sarawak.
Also present were Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Snowdan Lawan and Datuk Lat himself.
