MCMC calls Sugarbook’s move a marketing gimmick, warns about love scam risks

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has raised concerns about the recent marketing gimmick by sugar daddy dating site, Sugarbook. It added users of the platform could be potential targets of cybercrime and have warned the public to be vigilant.

According to MCMC’s official statement, the internet has opened up opportunities for various activities including immoral acts such as wild parties, forbidden relationships and activities that go against the law including online prostitution. Such cases will be investigated by the Royal Malaysia Police under the Penal code.

Sugarbook has recently claimed that a significant number of university students have offered themselves as “sugar baby” on their platform. The MCMC is taking their claims seriously as the user profiles could be manipulated to fool victims.

The MCMC also said there are other applications available apart from Sugarbook that provides dating or online romance services. It warned the public that they may fall victim to love scams if they do not take necessary cybersecurity precautions. The risk of love scams will increase if they are exposed to malware and spyware as well as revealing their private details or have been sexually harassed. Online users are told to be extra careful when revealing their personal information when using social media and online applications, especially when interacting with strangers on dating platforms.

The MCMC says they will continue to monitor and investigate the Sugarbook app together with the police and will take necessary action against the users and platform owners if they are found guilty of violating any laws. If there are elements of prostitution, the police will take further action. The MCMC has also reminded parents and guardians to be wary of their children’s activities online and to observe any lifestyle changes that may arouse suspicion.

Yesterday, the Deputy Minister under the Prime Minister Department (Religious Affairs), Ahmad Marzuk, has called upon the authorities to ban Sugarbook. He said allegations that students are using the app to make extra money to pay for tuition fees is worrying and has called for enforcement agencies to take action.

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