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SWIFT reporting within 24 hours has enabled authorities to freeze RM2.408 billion linked to online scams in January alone, underscoring what ministers describe as the decisive importance of immediate action by victims.
The National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) received 19,438 scam-related calls in January 2026, according to Deputy Home Minister Shamsul Anuar Nasarah. Of the total sum frozen, RM321.3 million, or 13 per cent, has been successfully returned to victims.
“Although the percentage is small, the data emphasises how important it is for victims to take swift action to report cases within the ‘golden period’ of 24 hours.
“This is information we need to spread widely. Those who become victims should report within 24 hours to ensure the money can at least be blocked, although the process of getting it back may take quite some time,” he said during a Special Chamber session of the Dewan Rakyat on Thursday.
He was responding to a question from Tan Hong Pin (PH-Bakri) regarding measures to curb mule account syndicates, including the phased control of outgoing funds.
Shamsul Anuar warned that delayed reporting significantly reduces the likelihood of successfully blocking illicit transfers, as funds are typically layered through multiple accounts or withdrawn rapidly by organised syndicates.
“If victims lodge a report immediately after realising they have been scammed and contact the 997 hotline, the chances of identifying, tracing and blocking the funds are higher,” he said.
To strengthen enforcement, he said the NSRC’s capabilities have been enhanced through the establishment of the National Fraud Portal, designed to accelerate fund tracing and detect mule accounts through integrated data systems and predictive analytics.
He also urged the public to consult official alert lists before transferring money or making investments, including those issued by Bank Negara Malaysia, the Securities Commission Malaysia and the police’s Semak Mule portal.
Between 2023 and 2025, a total of 218,307 accounts were identified for suspected involvement in scam-related activities. Of these, 46,433 were recorded in 2023, 51,302 in 2024 and 87,209 in 2025, representing a 70 per cent rise in the final year.
“This reflects increasingly strengthened detection and enforcement actions in efforts to curb the misuse of bank accounts for online scam crimes,” he said.
He added that the police continue to take firm action against mule account holders and custodians, including arrests, investigations and prosecutions, as well as the freezing of accounts and seizure of assets in accordance with the law. - February 27, 2026