Uggah likens online scams to Iban legend of ‘Taju Remaong’
KUCHING: Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas says online scams are akin to the Iban legend of the deadly ‘Taju Remaong’, or mystical tiger’s bait.
In conveying his concern to Sarawak Police Commissioner Datuk Mancha Ata over the growing number of people falling victim to online scammers, Uggah said in seeking its victims, the ‘Remaong’ or mystical tiger would bait them with fruits or other food in the jungle.
“Whoever picked them up or ate them, he or she is doomed. The tiger will come for him or her, and death is inevitable.
“Online scams are the same. The ‘taju’ (bait) is the promise of big monetary rewards, but in the end the victim will lose everything,” he said during a courtesy call by Mancha at his office in Wisma Bapa Malaysia, here yesterday.
Uggah said to avoid becoming victims, the people must not fall for the promise of lucrative returns or rewards made by scammers, whether via calls or social media platforms.
Meanwhile, he congratulated the Sarawak police for their commitment, loyalty and sacrifices in keeping the state safe for the people.
“The tasks and responsibilities are very challenging given Sarawak’s sheer size and the long land or sea borders. But you all have been doing a very good job.”
Mancha, who was accompanied by senior police officers for the visit, also briefed Uggah on the latest security and crime situations in the state.
Following the meeting with Mancha, the deputy premier received a second courtesy call, this time from Ministry of Foreign Affairs Sarawak region director Fenny Nuli.
The Sri Aman-born Fenny, who was recently appointed to the post, was formerly Malaysian Ambassador to Peru.