Job scams in Sarawak on the rise — Mustafa

Job scams in Sarawak is showing an increase, says head of Commercial Crime Investigation unit Supt Mustafa Kamal Gani.

“There are 35 cases reported as of May 6 this year, involving losses worth RM51,000. Sixteen arrests have been made, and we expect to make more arrests soon.

“There were 38 cases last year while 30 were recorded in 2017.

“Sarawak is ranked eighth highest in the number of commercial crimes in Malaysia,” he told a press conference a er a meeting with Minister of Welfare, Community Wellbeing, Women, Family and Childhood Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah at her office in the DUN complex yesterday.

In presenting the progress update of the recent Cambodian job scam, Mustafa said the police were now working on another five investigation papers related to the case.

He said two individuals had been charged under Section 417 of the Penal Code for cheating.

“One of the individuals is among the 40 victims brought home from Banteay Meanchey provincial prison in Cambodia, while the other was not with the group but was with them before.

“We are working on five investigation papers, which will be completed soon. Once we have enough evidence, we will propose to the deputy public prosecutor to proceed with the case,” he said.

Mustafa advised Sarawakians to be more cautious when they received notice of job opportunities, particularly through social media.

“The people should know what to do and what not to do on social media, especially if it involves money or personal information, as this will affect their financial security and personal identity.

“These syndicates are actively looking for recruits. We are going all-out to take action on them through the laws such as the Penal Code, Crime Prevention Act and Anti-Money Laundering, AntiTerrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act,” he said.

Meanwhile, Fatimah said there was a need to create greater awareness among the public about job scams, Macau scams, love scams and so on to prevent more people from becoming victims.

“Report to the police if you receive calls from suspicious sounding characters for actions to be immediately taken. The syndicates have their own ways to snare victims.

“Young people, especially those looking for jobs must be very cautious,” she said.

— Photo by Rais Sanusi Mustafa (le ) fields questions from reporters, while (from right) Fatimah, Assistant Minister of Community Well Being Datuk Francis Harden Hollis and director of Women and Family Department Noriah Ahmad look on.