Ripin (seated centre) in a photo call with campaign participants. Seated with him are (from left) Rose, Rudy, Siti Rohanie and Mohd Razin.
MIRI: Cyber crime cases are on the increase and will worsen if individuals fail to educate and prevent themselves from becoming victims of sophisticated, tech-savvy criminals, says Lambir assemblyman Ripin Lamat.
Quoting statistics from the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), he said for the first six months this year, losses incurred by cyber crime victims was RM250 million nationwide.
“The figure may only be the tip of the iceberg as it is believed there are many unreported cases, due to the victims choosing to remain silent out of shame.
“The RM250 million is only for the first six months of this year and by year end, it could reach over RM1 billion,” said Ripin when closing the ‘Staying Safe Online Campaign 2019’ for Miri division, here yesterday.
The campaign was organised by the Ministry of International Trade and E-Commerce and supported by Sarawak Multimedia Authority, Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), PDRM, Miri Resident’s Office and Miri District Office. Ripin added that with the internet and mobile technology playing increasingly important roles in all aspects of people’s lives in all sectors, everyone is exposed to cyber criminals and should consider themselves as potential targets.
“The disclosure of personal information such as identity card numbers and phone numbers could be manipulated by irresponsible persons who will use such information for fraudulent activities. It is pertinent that you be careful when disclosing your personal information.”
He said the campaign held was timely as it aimed to raise public awareness of the need to stay safe online to avoid falling victim to cyber criminals.
The assemblyman also urged participants as well as community leaders to help spread information on the various types of online scams such as Macau Scam, love scam, online retail scam and jobs scam.
Some 200 people including community leaders and representatives from non-governmental organisations took part in the half-day campaign, with similar sessions to be held soon in Limbang, Sarikei and Betong.
The campaign here was the sixth organised in the state this year after Kota Samarahan, Sri Aman, Sibu, Mukah and Bintulu.
Among those present yesterday were Rose Edward Tarang representing Miri Resident’s Office, deputy district officer Siti Rohanie Yusof, Rudy Beltran Paris from the ministry, and Inspector Mohd Razin Meslan from Miri police.