25/02/2026

WEDNESDAY | FEB 25, 2026 5 More than 66,000 online crimes in 2025 KUALA LUMPUR: Online crime statistics have recorded an alarming surge, with the number of cases nearly doubling to more than 66,000 in 2025 compared with 35,000 cases the previous year. Bukit Aman Commercial Crime Investigation Department director Datuk Rusdi Mohd Isa said the total losses recorded also soared to almost RM3 billion in 2025, a figure he described as a serious threat to the economy and social stability. He added that the trend reflects a significant shift in the crime landscape, with 90% of commercial crime cases investigated now involving online elements. “Five years ago, losses stood at about RM700 million, but by 2025, the figure is nearing RM3 billion. Criminals are now exploiting technological conveniences and fast, borderless financial systems.” He was speaking on Bernama TV’s Ruang Bicara programme on Monday, which discussed the topic “Jangan Cemas, Jangan Panik: Fahami Jenayah Dalam Talian” (Stay Calm, Don’t Panic: Understanding Online Crime). Rusdi said online crime involving non-existent investment schemes is the largest contributor to financial losses, amounting to RM1.5 billion. He added that syndicates often employ psychological tactics centred on offers that are “too good to be true”, promising high returns within a short period, while targeting retirees aged 50 and above who typically have substantial savings. He also issued a warning, particularly to young adults aged between 20 and 40, not to allow their bank accounts to be used by third parties. He said legal amendments under Section 424 of the Penal Code, which came into force in October 2024, provide for imprisonment of between three and 10 years for so-called mule account holders. “Do not risk your future for easy money. A criminal record will remain and could result in you being blacklisted by financial institutions, and jeopardise your employment prospects.” – Bernama ‘Bukit Kepong legacy must guide police’ MUAR: The legacy of Bukit Kepong must be institutionalised within the work culture, discipline and transparent decision-making of the police to better manage increasingly complex security threats, said Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail. The Bukit Kepong incident was a communist attack on a police station during the Malayan Emergency and took place at 5.30am on Feb 23, 1950, resulting in the deaths of 19 personnel. He said the incident is not merely a historical footnote but a moral compass intended to guide modern police leadership in upholding national loyalty and courage. “In the past, threats were primarily physical and armed. Today, they have evolved into more complex challenges, in which technological advancements and globalisation have paved the way for cybercrime and extremism. “The spread of radical ideologies via digital platforms and the presence of clandestine organised crime networks have made the national security landscape multi-dimensional, demanding more agile law enforcement capabilities anchored by holistic strategies.” He was speaking at the Bukit Kepong Incident Commemoration Ceremony held at the Bukit Kepong Emergency Gallery on Monday. Mohd Khalid also said national peace requires synergy and solidarity among police, the community, government agencies, the private sector and media partners. “The public should not merely be recipients of services but they are also strategic partners in building a sustainable security ecosystem.” – Bernama

‘Independent inquiry needed to probe MACC’

o Current task force lacks authority to fully investigate corporate collusion claims, says Loke

the debate on the Auditor-General’s Report yesterday told Parliament that Azam must resign, adding that failure to do so could cost the government at the next general election. He called for an RCI to probe the two Bloomberg reports concerning Azam’s share ownership and the alleged corporate mafia. “I call on the government to take firm action. Azam Baki must step down. “If we allow him to continue holding office, voters will punish us in the next general election. “Let our tenure as the government not end in the next election.” He added that while a special task force has been formed to investigate the share ownership issue, no clear action has been taken regarding the alleged corporate collusion. Earlier, Pandan MP Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli urged government members, particularly DAP MPs, to take a decisive stance on the Azam Baki issue without delay. He said waiting until June could carry electoral consequences and claimed the prime minister is closely monitoring DAP’s stance, suggesting that speaking up could influence government decisions. Also, Malaysian Chinese Association president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong yesterday called for investigations to be conducted transparently, while remaining targeted and professional.

“But the allegation of a ‘corporate mafia’ is far more serious because it concerns MACC as an institution.” He added that the task force lacks the authority to fully probe claims of collusion within a unit of the anti-graft agency. He also said DAP already pressed for an RCI at a previous Cabinet sitting and would continue to do so, adding that only an inquiry with full investigative powers and public accountability could restore confidence. Loke also highlighted the weight of international media coverage, saying the government cannot afford a defensive stance. “This is not the first time such claims have surfaced. Similar matters were raised years ago, even in Parliament. “However, this is the first time an international media organisation of this stature has reported on it.” He said leaving the issue unresolved would cast a prolonged cloud of suspicion over MACC, ultimately eroding the credibility of the anti-corruption body. On leadership, Loke reiterated DAP’s stance that the MACC chief commissioner should be replaced with someone who commands public trust and is free from controversy. Meanwhile, Kota Melaka MP and Malacca DAP chief Khoo Poay Tiong during

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: DAP is pushing for the establishment of a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) to investigate allegations of a “corporate mafia” within the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC). Its secretary-general Anthony Loke said the party would raise the proposal again at the upcoming Cabinet sitting on Friday, insisting that the gravity of the claims requires a more powerful and independent mechanism than the special task force already announced. “The Cabinet previously agreed to set up a task force to investigate MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki over his shareholdings. But the allegations now go far beyond that. “There are two separate matters. The share ownership issue is being looked into by the special task force.

Hanafiah (second from left) leaves the Sessions Court after his hearing. – BERNAMAPIC

Assemblyman pleads not guilty to abusing position KUALA TERENGGANU: Chukai assemblyman Datuk Hanafiah Mat yesterday pleaded not guilty at the Sessions Court to two charges of using his position to gain benefits for his family in 2018 and 2020. the same act for another son on June 18, 2020, at the same location. significant responsibilities to both his family and the public as a state assemblyman.

Mohd Fadly also sought to exempt Hanafiah from surrendering his passport, arguing that his family and official duties require him to remain in the country, eliminating any flight risk. The court approved bail of RM30,000 with one surety and ordered Hanafiah to report monthly to the MACC office. The judge also ruled that he need not surrender his passport, while allowing the prosecution to reapply if he fails to comply with the reporting condition. The case was then scheduled for mention on April 12. – Bernama

Both charges are framed under Section 23(1) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009, which carries a penalties of imprisonment of up to 20 years and a fine of not less than five times the value of the bribe or RM10,000, whichever is higher. Earlier, MACC DPP Rabiatul Addawiyah Mohd Noorlee proposed bail of RM50,000 with two sureties, requiring the accused to surrender his passport and report monthly to the nearest MACC office. Hanafiah’s lawyer Mohd Fadly Hashim requested a lower bail, saying his client, who has two wives and 13 children, carries

The 66-year-old entered his plea after the charges were read before Judge Azman Mustapha. On the first charge, Hanafiah is accused, in his capacity as a State Executive Council member and Pangkalan Bekalan Kemaman Sdn Bhd chairman, of using his position to secure a bribe for his son on Aug 15, 2018 at the Epic Berhad office in Pangkalan Bekalan Kemaman, near Teluk Kalong in Kemaman. The second charge alleges he committed