Selangor leads Malaysia in online scam losses, accounting for one-third of national total

At a financial literacy event in Shah Alam, Selangor was identified as the Malaysian state with the greatest online scam losses last year, representing about one-third of the national total. The amount lost in Selangor more than doubled from the prior year, highlighting a sharp increase in digital fraud. Bank Negara Malaysia governor Datuk Seri Abdul Rasheed Ghaffour outlined steps being taken, including faster tracing of stolen funds and tighter security for online banking.

He emphasized that personal vigilance remains essential, advising people to confirm any urgent requests through official channels. The governor also noted that artificial intelligence could help detect abnormal activity, provided data protection measures are in place. Home Ministry figures show nationwide online scam losses rising sharply, with Selangor and Kuala Lumpur remaining the most affected regions for the third year running, and investment-scheme scams topping the loss categories.