TAWAU: The Sabah Drug and Crime Prevention Organization (PPDJS) has expressed concern over the latest arrests involving an online fraud syndicate in this district, which is increasingly tarnishing Tawau’s image as a trading and tourism hub on the east coast of Sabah.
PPDJS advisor, Mohd. Zaki Harry Susanto, said that these incidents have caused discomfort among the local community, especially since the first arrest related to the scammer syndicate in Tawau is still fresh in the public’s mind.
He noted that the series of arrests in a short period gives the impression that Tawau is being used as a strategic location by international fraud syndicates to carry out their cybercrime activities.
“Certainly, the local residents of Tawau feel worried and embarrassed as the name of this district continues to be associated with scammer activities.
“We do not want outsiders to perceive Tawau as a safe place or a paradise for fraud syndicates.
“This latest case indicates that the threat of cybercrime is becoming more serious and requires comprehensive action from all relevant parties,” he said when asked to comment on the recent arrest of an online investment fraud syndicate by the police in the area.
At the same time, Zaki expressed appreciation and praise for the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), particularly the Commercial Crime Investigation Department (BSJK) and the security team that successfully conducted operations leading to the capture of individuals believed to be involved in the syndicate.
He said that the swift and aggressive actions of the police demonstrate PDRM’s ongoing commitment to combating increasingly concerning commercial crime activities.
“PPDJS extends its gratitude to PDRM for the success of this operation. The success in dismantling the involved syndicate somewhat reassures the public that the authorities are always monitoring and taking firm action against scammer activities,” he said.
