SIBU: The prevalence of commercial crimes in Sarawak resulting in losses of thousands or even millions of ringgit is worrying.
State Police Commissioner Datuk Mancha Ata said a total of 2,958 cases were recorded in Sarawak last year, compared to 2,461 cases for the previous year (2022).
“In January of this year, a total of 240 reports have been received involving losses of RM7.8 million.
“Commercial crime losses throughout the state in 2023 was more than RM117 million while in 2022, it was as much as RM66 million, which is an increase of RM51.2 million,” he said in his speech at a Community Policing programme at the Malay Union Club (MUC) Hall here, today.
“Therefore, the people are advised to be caution and avoid becoming victim of commercial crime.
“The government and the police have provided several facilities to prevent commercial crimes such as the creation of the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) hotline at 997.
“The public can contact the NSRC to check and verify information on cyber fraud and can also download the Whoscallapplication to know whether the number is a scam or vice versa,” he said.
Meanwhile, on drugs, he said the Narcotics Crime Investigation Department (NCID) is committed to cracking down on drug trafficking and abuse to ensure that society remains safe, peaceful and prosperous.
“According to statistics, in 2023, a total of 1,152 arrests were recorded in Sibu district compared to 895 arrests for 2022.
“From the statistics, we see that drugs are indeed a problem that must be dealt with immediately,” he added.
Also present were Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee, Deputy Police Commissioner Datuk Ibrahim Darus, Sibu police chief ACP Zulkipli Suhaili and Sibu Resident Datuk Wong Hee Sieng.
