04/03/2026

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Malaysian Paper

/thesundaily /

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

‘Middle East conflict will not affect subsidised petrol price’

CYBERJAYA: Timely reporting is key to limiting losses in online scams, as investigations reveal that scammers can drain accounts rapidly. Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution said in some cases, up to 90% of a victim’s funds can disappear in between three and 10 minutes of fraudulent activity. He said speed and layering of transactions used by scammers make investigations challenging. “The first one to two hours after the fraud is reported are the most crucial as early action allows banks and investigators to earmark and block accounts quickly. “Patterns show withdrawals of RM1,000, RM1,500 and RM3,000 without victims sending any confirmation, indicating that the scammers are highly organised and efficient,” he said at the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) launch, officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim yesterday. Saifuddin said in 2025, the NSRC handled 146,167 complaint calls and froze 138,915 accounts linked to fraud, recovering RM34,051,357.68 PETALING JAYA: The government will continue to keep the subsidised RON95 petrol price at RM1.99 per litre, with no plans for major policy changes, said Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Nasir. He said the conflict in the Middle East does not warrant adjustments to domestic fuel prices. “Our ministry is observing closely what is happening (in the Middle East), but it does not give any indication for the government to make any drastic change in terms of policy. “The government has implemented a targeted subsidy and is maintaining a reasonable RON95 price for the people,” he said after attending the OGSE100 CEOs Forum yesterday. On Sunday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the government would strive to maintain the RON95 petrol price at RM1.99 per litre for Malaysians despite global market uncertainties following the latest developments in the Middle East. Anwar, who is also Finance minister, said the increase in global oil prices following disruptions in Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newsdesk@thesundaily.com

before or after the implementation of the targeted subsidy, that could disadvantage consumers.” He added that his ministry continues to monitor retail outlets, conducting regular checks at petrol stations to ensure compliance with the Trade Descriptions Act 2011 and the Weights and Measures Act 1972. “Random sampling, accuracy testing, and inspections of pumps and sales records have found no violations. Follow-up testing across seven oil depots and five RON95 brands confirmed that all petrol met industry standards. “The ministry also collaborates with appointed companies to verify operations at petrol stations and can take strict action against operators who breach regulations.”

that reliable, affordable and stable energy supplies even amid global volatility and high oil price scenarios,” he said, highlighting that energy security is inseparable from economic resilience. Analysts have also said the conflict, including attacks involving Israel and the United States on Iran, could push global oil prices higher. In a written reply on Monday, Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Ali said the targeted RON95 subsidy under Budi95, implemented on Sept 30 last year, does not alter petrol specifications or formulation. “There is no difference in the quality or quantity of RON95 petrol sold in the market, either can maintain

o Minister advises to diversify energy sources, strengthen domestic generation capacity

from syndicates. He also said the centre saw a significant increase in funds returned to victims through earmarking, rising from RM508,479.39 in 2024 to RM6,649,171.03 in 2025. He added that as of January, an additional RM1,443,533.40 has been recovered through early account freezing. “The standard procedure is to block the account, investigate the fraud and return any recoverable funds, with success measured by how much money is returned to the victims,” he explained. “Delayed reporting significantly reduces recovery chances. “For instance, if a victim notices the fraud at 2pm but only reports it at 10pm, almost 80% of the funds may already be gone, limiting recoverable amounts to less than 20% in some cases. “Full recovery is often impossible once the scammer has withdrawn the bulk of the funds. Rapid reporting within the first hour is essential to maximise recovery.” Saifuddin noted amendments to Section 424 of the Penal Code, which make it an offence for individuals to knowingly allow their accounts to be used for fraud. the Strait of Hormuz is expected to affect the country, but “the government is determined to maintain the subsidised RON95 price under the Budi Madani RON95 (Budi95) programme”. Akmal said any temporary closure or restriction of the Strait of Hormuz could sharply tighten supply, driving up global crude oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) prices. “We have seen oil prices spike sharply as markets factor in potential supply disruptions, and

this matters to us in Malaysia because LNG, which Malaysia imports from Australia and other suppliers, is closely linked to global oil prices. “Therefore, any sudden increases could affect industrial energy costs, electricity generation and household fuel expenditures.” He added that diversifying energy sources, strengthening domestic generation capacity, and accelerating renewable and transition technologies are critical. “It is about preparing a system

Early reports can limit scam losses

Anwar, flanked by Saifuddin (left) and Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, officiates the NSRC launch. – ADAM AMIR HAMZAH/THESUN

Opposition, in condemning recent foreign strikes in the Middle East. He said further details, including the involvement of Zionist groups, would be disclosed once investigations are complete. “The situation requires careful consideration beyond party politics. Preparedness is essential to safeguard the nation and protect Malaysia’s democratic institutions.” He emphasised that the investigation remains ongoing and sensitive, with names, companies and countries deliberately withheld. – BY HARITH KAMAL the chances of reclaiming lost funds.” NSRC was previously located at Bank Negara Malaysia but the centre now operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week at Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) Tower 2 in Cyberjaya. NSRC involves multiple core agencies, including Bank Negara Malaysia, MCMC and the National Financial Crime Prevention Centre.

82 staff operating round the clock, NSRC aims to build public confidence in reporting online fraud. Saifuddin said Anwar has emphasised the importance of public awareness programmes to prevent individuals from falling victim to online scams, especially those tempted by high-reward offers. “I urge the public to monitor their accounts closely and report suspicious transactions immediately to improve

He said online fraud is often facilitated by individuals who willingly allow their accounts to be used. “Previously, there was no legal framework to hold such individuals accountable,” he added. “Under this law, anyone who knowingly allows their account to be used as a financial or payment instrument in fraudulent activity is committing a legal offence.” He said with a dedicated team of

Anwar reveals ongoing plot to destabilise government PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has revealed that an ongoing attempt to destabilise the government involves a group of Malaysians working with individuals associated with the group held six meetings last year, both in Malaysia and overseas. Shahidan Kassim in the Dewan Rakyat. Shahidan had asked about the status of the police probe into the alleged plot and its potential impact on Malaysia’s parliamentary democracy. linked to large-scale MACC investigations and reportedly began in August 2024, continuing until the next general election.

“They sought information and influence through international roundtables and global NGOs, before briefing Bloomberg for further action. “The strategy extended to engaging foreign media to question government initiatives, particularly those related to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), while using international networks to cast doubt on the credibility of the government and the country,” he said in response to Arau MP Datuk Seri Dr

“This is not about defending one individual or criticising me personally. It challenges the entire governance system and aims to destabilise the government. “While there may be attempts to elevate certain figures, the report shows that it threatens the nation’s institutions and security.” He urged all parties to act wisely and fairly, noting the unity shown by MPs, including those from the

international institutions and media outlets, including links to a prominent Zionist organisation. He said initial investigations by police indicated that the group, operating partly from abroad with substantial funding, sought to challenge the current administration through coordinated strategies. The findings showed that companies, organisations and

Anwar said the group also sought to exploit relationships with MPs to influence parliamentary questions and proceedings. “They attempted to mobilise international media to highlight certain individuals being probed, praising them publicly despite ongoing corruption investigations.” He added that the alleged plot is