Deputy Communications and Digital Minister Teo Nie Ching has announced that almost RM600 million has been lost throughout the year of 2022, as a result of cyber crime in Malaysia. She said that the data showed that cyber crime in the country was “quite serious”.
Teo Nie Ching added that the Communications and Digital Ministry (KKD) will be focusing on educating the public to become more digitally literate and not become victims. One of the steps that will be implemented is working with platforms like TikTok to promote a programme called “Stop For Three Seconds” which aims to be launched in February and March.
“The ‘three seconds’ here is to help the community to think first whether any information received is authentic or not,” she explained.
In October 2022, regulators brought up a Stop, Think, Block mantra for the public to remember whenever they get suspicious calls or messages asking for any personal and banking details. It also came with the tagline “Ingat 3 Saat Ok” (Think for Three Seconds) and the hashtag #JanganKenaScam. The government’s upcoming campaign might mirror last year’s mantra.
Late last year, the Malaysian government even reminded the public to dial 997 if they’ve been scammed. Teo even brought it up, saying that the 997 hotline was still little known by the community.
“Thus far, the 997 hotline operates 12 hours daily and it is a one-stop centre comprising representatives from Bank Negara Malaysia, private banks, MCMC, and the police, who will do their best to immediately stop the flow of victims’ money… The ministry wants to help the victims because we know if we don’t act quick enough, even though the person may eventually be caught, the victims won’t be able to get their money back,” she continued.
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