FEWER commercial crime cases were reported in Sarawak for the first six months of this year compared to the same period last year, but there was an increase in total losses.

Sarawak police commissioner Mohd Azman Ahmad Sapri said during the first six months of this year, a total of 1,278 cases were reported involving losses amounting to RM36 million, compared to last year’s 1,451 cases and RM30.5 million losses during the same period.

“Fraud cases through the internet, impersonation, fake job offers and Macau scam syndicates are among the highest commercial crimes reported this year,” he told a media conference after the Sarawak Police monthly assembly today.

He said the highest number of commercial crimes reported were committed online with 236 cases involving losses of RM1.3 million, followed by 128 impersonation cases with losses of RM3.6 million and 119 fake job offers involving losses of RM1.5 million.

“From January 1 to June 30 this year, a total of 118 Macau scam cases were recorded with RM8 million in losses while 117 non-existent loans with RM1.4 million in losses were also reported,” he said.

To avoid being a victim of commercial crime, Azman urged members of the public to always be vigilant and careful in accessing websites by not disclosing personal information to unknown individuals.

“Hang up immediately if you receive any calls about money or requesting banking information,” he said.

Overall, he said, the state’s crime index statistics had dropped by 447 cases or 19% compared to last year for the period from January 1 to June 30. – Bernama, July 18, 2022.