Online fraud charges in Malaysia reportedly surpass 2025 total by May

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Malaysia has reportedly recorded 8,014 charges related to online fraud as of May this year, surpassing the 6,140 charges filed throughout the whole of 2025, according to Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

Tabling the Cyber Crime Bill 2026 for its second reading in the Dewan Negara, Ahmad Zahid said the figures reflect the growing severity of online fraud, driven by both a rise in cases and increasing financial losses suffered by the public, Bernama reported.

He reportedly said the trend highlights the urgent need for a comprehensive cybercrime law that is better equipped to tackle increasingly complex and sophisticated cybersecurity threats.

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According to Ahmad Zahid, 10,245 individuals had reportedly been arrested as of May, with the highest number of arrests involving telecommunications, eCommerce, investment and non-existent loan scams.

He added that arrests linked to online fraud have risen steadily over the past few years, increasing from 16,244 in 2022 to 23,753 in 2025, the highest figure recorded during the period.

The arrest figures demonstrate the Royal Malaysia Police's continued enforcement efforts against online fraud syndicates, Ahmad Zahid said, reportedly adding that targeting the most active criminal networks has had a significant impact on protecting society.

The Cyber Crime Bill 2026, which comprises eight parts and 61 clauses, was passed by the Dewan Rakyat on 1 July. The proposed legislation is reportedly intended to repeal the Computer Crime Act 1997 and strengthen Malaysia's legal framework to address the increasingly complex threat of cybercrime.

The latest figures come as digital platforms continue to tighten safeguards against online fraud and scam-related advertising. Earlier this year, Google introduced a new financial services verification requirement in Malaysia aimed at preventing scam advertisers from reaching users on its platforms.

Effective 14 April 2026, advertisers promoting financial products and services are required to complete a verification process before publishing ads on Google's platforms. As part of the policy, advertisers must demonstrate they are authorised by relevant Malaysian regulators, including Bank Negara Malaysia, the Securities Commission Malaysia and the Labuan Financial Services Authority, in addition to completing Google's existing advertiser verification programme.

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