THERE were 1,694 online scams, comprising 82.5% of the total 2,052 commercial crime cases in Pahang last year, according to state police figures.

In total, victims of fraud cases lost RM34.7 million, Pahang police chief Ramli Mohamed Yoosuf said, adding that the chief targets were traders and those in the education sector, with 196 and 111 cases, respectively.

Ramli said 993 or 48.4% of the total resulted in prosecution.

“It can be said that Pahang police receive reports of online scams every day, despite the numerous reminders and awareness campaigns. Many of the victims are women, ages 17 to 40.

“We advise the people to be extra cautious when getting telephone calls from unidentified individuals and to check with the police or enforcement agencies,” he said.

He also said that the police continued to step up crime prevention and revealed the latest tactics of scammers.

Meanwhile, Ramli also said the number of crashes in Pahang had risen to 22,512 in 2022 compared to 15,100 in 2021.

The highest number of cases by district was in Kuantan (9,053 cases), followed by Bentong (3,261), Temerloh (2,406), Maran (1,253), Pekan (1,238), Rompin (1,063), Raub (964), Cameron Highlands (923), Bera (906), Lipis (851) and Jerantut (594), he said.

“On average, 62 crashes a day were reported in 2022, with cars making up the highest, at 16,675,” he said.

He said 89 cases of car theft were reported in 2022, up by 20 from 2021, with the thefts occurring frequently in rural areas.

He also said that the police made 12,659 arrests related to drug offences in 2022 and seized drugs valued at over RM31.7 million, up from the 10,547 arrests and seizure of drugs valued at RM19.2 million in 2021.

Ramli said seven police officers were dismissed from service last year, compared to 14 in 2021, for involvement in drug-related activities and misconduct. – Bernama, January 5, 2023.