By Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye
Chairman Alliance For A Safe Community
KOTA KINABALU: Scams have become an alarming issue in our society, with daily reports of individuals losing their hard-earned money to deceitful schemes. These scams not only cause financial distress but also erode public trust in institutions and online platforms.
While the authorities have taken steps to address this issue, it is evident that more drastic and immediate actions are required to curb this menace.
Enhanced Law Enforcement Collaboration
We must strengthen cooperation between law enforcement agencies, financial institutions, and telecommunication companies to detect and disrupt scam operations. This includes creating a centralized task force to share intelligence and coordinate rapid action against scam syndicates.
Stronger Penalties for Perpetrators
Scammers must face more severe legal consequences to deter such crimes. This includes revising current legislation to impose heavier fines, longer prison sentences, and asset forfeiture for those found guilty of orchestrating or facilitating scams.
Technological Safeguards
Telecommunication service providers and digital platforms must implement advanced measures, such as call-blocking technologies, fraud detection algorithms, and stricter verification processes for online transactions.
Additionally, online platforms should be held accountable for failing to detect and remove fraudulent advertisements.
Public Awareness Campaigns
Continuous public education is critical to equipping citizens with the knowledge to identify and avoid scams. Authorities should launch national campaigns that highlight common scam tactics and provide clear guidelines on what to do if targeted.
Hotlines and Immediate Assistance
A dedicated, easily accessible hotline should be established for scam victims to report incidents and seek assistance. This hotline must provide immediate steps to freeze affected accounts and recover lost funds, where possible.
Stronger Regulation of Online Activities
Online marketplaces, social media platforms, and financial apps must adhere to stricter regulations to ensure transparency and accountability. Regular audits and penalties for non-compliance should be enforced.
We urge the government and stakeholders to prioritize this issue and work together to ensure the safety and well-being of all citizens.
Combating scams is not just about protecting financial resources; it is about restoring trust and upholding the integrity of our digital and financial ecosystems.
Let us act decisively to put an end to this growing problem before more lives are adversely affected.
