Malaysia returns RM5.16m seized from scam networks

Photo courtesy of Malay Mail

Malaysia’s National Scam Response Centre returned RM5.16 million in seized scam proceeds to victims between January and July 2026, accounting for 65 per cent of the RM7.94 million recovered by authorities during the period.

Recovered funds returned to victims

Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail announced the figures after opening the sixth International Cyber Resilience Conference in Bangi. He said returning money was an enforcement result that people could feel directly.

The minister warned that cyber threats were becoming increasingly serious. Citing the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, he said scam operations in Southeast Asia generate tens of billions of dollars each year.

Malaysia has also recorded a growing number of cases involving child sexual abuse material. Cases rose from 68 in 2024 to 152 in 2025, with another 100 recorded by the middle of this year.

Cross-border cybercrime operations expand

Through Ops Cyber Guardian, conducted with seven countries, authorities had arrested 69 people by April 2026 and seized 498,694 digital files. The haul included 205,000 files identified as child sexual abuse material.

Saifuddin also disclosed that 746 Malaysians had fallen victim to fraudulent overseas job offers as of 28 August. Such cases have become a major regional concern, with victims sometimes lured abroad by promises of legitimate employment.

The minister said modern cybercriminals operate through syndicates, work across borders and adopt rapidly changing technologies. He argued that governments and enforcement agencies must use artificial intelligence to confront offenders who are already applying advanced digital tools, including generative AI.

Malaysia develops coordinated response

The three-day conference, held in hybrid format, brought together about 321 in-person participants and 149 online attendees from Malaysia and overseas. Discussions focused on prevention, preparation, response and recovery while maintaining critical national functions during cyber disruptions.

Two forums examined plans for a Cyber Crime Fusion Centre. A study on the proposed centre has entered its second phase, covering governance and operational models, with participation from the Home Affairs Ministry, the Institute of Public Security of Malaysia, Cyber Security Academia Malaysia and strategic partners.

What it means for foreigners in Malaysia

Foreign residents are exposed to the same online investment, banking, impersonation and recruitment scams as local users. Anyone who transfers money after suspected fraud should contact their bank and Malaysia’s official scam-response channels immediately, preserve transaction records and report the incident promptly. Rapid action can improve the chance of tracing or freezing funds, although recovery is never guaranteed.

3 September 2026