THE allocation of RM20 million for the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) in Budget 2024 shows the government’s commitment to tackling online fraud. 

Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil, in a Facebook post, said the government would continue to strengthen cybersecurity while raising public awareness of the issue. 

“In the effort to eliminate the despicable operations of online fraudsters, the cooperation of all parties is crucial,” he said. 

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, when tabling Budget 2024 yesterday, said the government would raise the allocation for the NSRC to RM20 million next year to further increase the centre’s functionality in combating online scams. 

Anwar, who is also finance minister, said since its establishment, NSRC had handled over 49,000 calls and managed to freeze transactions worth up to RM60 million. 

In a separate post, Fahmi said the announcement of the entertainment tax being reduced to zero for local performers and from 25% to 10% for international artists showed that film and music industry players were not marginalised by the unity government. 

“During 10 months at KKD (Ministry of Communications and Digital), I received various suggestions; I heard various problems. It’s not easy to do it all, but I have to start somewhere. 

“Alhamdulillah, the requests of the industry players have been met. Entertainment tax exemption for performances by local artists. The entertainment tax for international artists’ stage performances has been lowered to 10% compared with 25% previously,” he said. 

Fahmi said he would continue to ensure the needs of entertainment industry players were addressed. – Bernama, October 14, 2023.