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PENANG was declared a relatively safe and secure state by Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, but there are concerns over cybercrimes, especially with scams on the rise.
While thanking the law enforcement agencies for upholding the law well in Penang, Chow said that there needs to be greater vigilance as Penang is projecting more visitors for "Visit Malaysia Year 2026."
Chow said this at the Crime Consciousness and Public Safety Society (CCPSS) movement's media appreciation celebration at the St Giles - Wembley Hotel.
He also expressed gratitude to Prof Tan Yen Wooi, an accountant, who passionately believes in crime prevention and in employing strong ties with the media to highlight wrongful acts in Penang.
Tan brought together the event with the media on the need to promote stronger collaboration between the CCPSS, police and the state's diverse communities.
Among those helping CCPSS is the former Penang chief police officer Datuk Seri Khaw Kok Chin, who has since retired from Bukit Aman and its new chairman, Datuk Zainuddin Ahmad, a former senior police officer.
He also singled out other enforcement and rescue officers, who had served Penang diligently, such as Ruslan Tuan Mat, Datuk Abdul Said bin Hussain, Dr. Kang Tong Hum, and Datuk Saadon Moktar.
"You have served the country in important institutions, and your experience adds strength and credibility to CCPSS work," said Chow.
Penang, last year, was regarded as one of the safest states in Malaysia, and the authorities are proud of that reputation.
"But we cannot take it for granted."
Safety requires constant effort, cooperation, and attention to details, said Chow.
Chow also expressed concerns over the rise in scam-related crimes, especially those targeting senior citizens.
Recently, a Penang retiree lost more than RM1 million to an investment scam.
The state recorded 7,852 online crime cases between 2022 and 2024, with losses totalling RM312.86 million, it was revealed.
Phone scams accounted for the highest number of cases, with losses amounting to RM101.5 million. - January 8, 2026.
