Police push for tougher punishments, including caning, for online scammers
Malaysia's police chief announced plans to amend laws and impose harsher sentences, such as caning, to deter online fraud.
At a strategic communications programme in Bukit Aman, Kuala Lumpur, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Mohd Khalid Ismail called for legal reforms to combat the rise of online scams. He argued that existing court penalties fail to create a sufficient deterrent for scam syndicate leaders and members. The police proposal includes updating outdated statutes and adding severe sanctions such as rotan, or caning, to align with technological advances and global standards.
He indicated that the issue has been raised with the relevant ministry and the government for legislative action. Ongoing nationwide arrests were cited, but the minimal sentences were said to undermine fear among criminals. The proposal aims to strengthen public safety by making cyber-crime consequences more formidable.
How the sides frame it
HIGH AGREEMENTBoth camps report the police proposal for harsher penalties, including caning, but centrist coverage emphasizes the minister’s endorsement and the call for banks to take responsibility, while right-leaning coverage stresses the police’s argument that current punishments are insufficient deterrents and frames the reforms as a public-safety measure.
CENTER
Centrist coverage presents the proposal as a government-backed initiative, highlighting the minister’s support and urging banks to share accountability for scams.
RIGHT
Right-leaning coverage portrays the proposal as a necessary law-enforcement response to weak deterrence, emphasizing public safety and the need to update penalties.
The right emphasises
- existing court penalties fail to create sufficient deterrent
- adding caning to strengthen public safety
