Malaysia to byte crime with AI

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia is among nations aiming to use artificial intelligence (AI) in investigating commercial crimes.

However, the Artificial Intelligence Society Malaysia has urged the police force to first guarantee that the men in blue receive thorough training.

Its president Dr Azree Shahrel Ahmad Nazri said police officers need to understand how AI tools function, interpret AI-generated insights correctly and ensure their investigations maintain human oversight.

“AI is only as effective as the people using it. 

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“Without proper training, there is a risk of misinterpretation or over-reliance on AI, which could lead to wrongful accusations or overlooked evidence,” he said in an interview.

Early this month, the Bukit Aman Commercial Crime Investigation Depart­ment (CCID) said the use of AI would ensure investigating officers could optimise their time when managing cases.

Azree Shahrel suggested that Bukit Aman consider collaborations with Malaysian universities and AI experts to develop tailored training modules for CCID officers and cybercrime units.

The police, he said, should begin AI implementation by focusing on commercial crimes, cyberfraud and money laundering investigations.

“The CCID is the best starting point as it deals with fraud cases involving millions of ringgit.

“AI-powered tools can be integrated with Bank Negara’s Financial Intelligence System to help police track mule accounts and suspicious transactions faster,” he said.

Azree Shahrel, who is also the head of laboratory at the Institute of Mathematical Research at Universiti Putra Malaysia, also proposed for AI-powered chatbots and automated scam alerts to be integrated into banking systems to warn users about suspicious transactions.

“This proactive approach not only helps in crime prevention but also educates the public about ongoing threats,” he said.

Additionally, he said the police could collaborate with local fintech companies, cybersecurity firms, and AI research institutions to develop AI-driven crime prevention systems.

“This will allow Malaysia to stay ahead of evolving crime tactics while ensuring law enforcement agencies are equipped with the latest technology,” he added.

Azree Shahrel highlighted how AI-driven fraud detection systems used by Malaysian banks have been able to flag suspicious transactions related to mule accounts, often used by scammers to launder stolen money.

“AI can track money trails across multiple accounts, something that would take human investigators weeks or months to complete.

“Additionally, AI-powered natural language processing tools can analyse scammer conversations on messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram, where many fraudulent investment schemes are promoted.

“In cybercrime investigations, AI can assist in identifying fake websites, detecting phishing attempts and analysing large amounts of digital evidence,” he said.

Azree Shahrel also said the university’s Institute of Mathematical Research and Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology have developed PutraGPT, which aids in fraud detection, identifying suspicious transactions and tracking complex financial trails.

“In cybercrime investigations, PutraGPT helps to identify fake websites, detect phishing attempts, and process vast amounts of digital evidence,” he said, citing the recent fake e-commerce websites that were detected by the system.

“By automating these processes, PutraGPT can improve overall cybersecurity, offering a faster and more accurate response to evolving financial threats.”

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Rm9bil lost to scams in 10 years

 

Over 200,000 online cases recorded with figures rising

Portal Semak Mule 2.0 bantu rakyat kesan identiti syarikat ..

Semak Mule - PDRM   

KUALA LUMPUR: More than 200,000 online scam cases have been recorded in the last 10 years, resulting in almost Rm9bil in losses.

And there could be many more cases that go unreported.

The number of cases has also been increasing every year. In 2014, there were 6,309 cases but last year, the number rose to 35,368, according to Bukit Aman Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) statistics.

“More and more victims are being duped by a myriad number of scams used by syndicates. This year alone, we have already recorded 10,218 cases as of March 16,” the police said.

In terms of losses, the amount was Rm8.53bil since 2014, with the highest losses recorded in 2023 (Rm1.21bil) and 2024 (Rm1.57bil).

This year, as of March 16, Rm490mil in losses had already been recorded.

Investment scams have been the most prevalent in the last 10 years, accumulating significant losses, especially in the last two years.

In 2014, the losses in such scams were Rm53.4mil, rising to Rm245.05mil in 2021 and Rm219.83mil in 2022.

In 2023 and 2024, though, losses spiked to Rm472.15mil and Rm848.62mil respectively.

“This year, Rm301.8mil has been lost to investment scams, the highest number compared with other scams. However, in terms of the number of cases, telecommunication scams were the highest this year, with 4,509 cases.

“Others are online purchase scams (2,118 cases), investment scams (1,652) and loan scams (1,159),” the police said.

The public is advised to make use of the Semakmule 2.0 portal.

The portal has received 33.4 million visitors since it was established in 2020 and the people are encouraged to use the facility to check the list of mule bank accounts, telephone numbers and shell firms used by scammers.

“Initially, the police set out to list phone numbers and mule bank accounts, but have since improved the portal to include the names of shell companies.

“Visitors to the site are able to do searches on companies that might be used in commercial crimes, including investment scams. The portal has listed more than 107 companies so far,” the police said.

As of Jan 21, a total of 238,006 bank accounts and 191,960 phone numbers have been listed on Semakmule.

Another avenue that can be used is the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC).

The public can report scams by calling the 997 hotline and make enquiries too.

- by By FARIK ZOLKEPLI farik@thestar.com.my 22 Mar 2025

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Ranks based on merit, not race: Comm Datuk Seri Khaw Kok Chin

 

t’s been a good run: Khaw (left) presenting the handover documents to Bukit Aman NCID deputy director of Narcotics (Intelligence/Operations) DCP Mat Zani @ Mohd Salahuddin Che Ali who will be acting as the new Bukit Aman NCID director. Looking on is Deputy Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay (centre). — Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR: A rewarding career advancement awaits police personnel who show integrity, commitment and competence in their duties, regardless of their ethnicity, says Comm Datuk Seri Khaw Kok Chin.

The outgoing Bukit Aman Narcotic Crime Investigation Department (NCID) director said he is living proof that non-Malay officers could break barriers and rise in rank.

“I am one of them and proof that non-Malays can climb the ranks too. I owe who I am today to the police force.

“I strongly encourage non-­Malays to sign up with the force and serve our country,” said Khaw, who will be retiring tomorrow as he turns 60.

With humble beginnings as a kampung boy from Alor Setar, Kedah, Khaw joined the force in 1991 as a cadet.

At age 38, he became a district police chief (OCPD) and more than three decades later, a police commissioner.

Khaw, who has had extensive experience in the CID, had also served as Penang police chief and Johor deputy police chief during his 34 years of service.

“There are ample opportunities for promotions for officers who prove themselves through hard work and professionalism,” he told The Star in an interview at Bukit Aman on Tuesday.

Khaw is the fourth Malaysian Chinese to head a police department and the first for the NCID in the history of the force.

Prior to Khaw was Datuk Koh Hong Sun, who headed the Commercial Crimes Investigations Department (CCID) 13 years ago.

The other two directors of Chinese ethnicity were Datuk Christopher Wan Soo Kee, who helmed the CID, and police administration department director Datuk Ang Phaik Chin.

Asked about his greatest challenge as a police officer, Khaw said while all police departments have their respective challenges, he finds the NCID to be “the most demanding”.

“The NCID is challenging because we are dealing with hardcore criminals who have a record of violence, carry firearms and have links with the underworld.

“As a result, the risks are high and threats are faced right from the top leadership to those on the ground, especially when we need to carry out surveillance, ambushes and other operations.

“Since drug dealers often carry firearms, if a gunfight erupts, we will need to engage in dangerous situations to apprehend the syndicate members,” he added.

A significant part of Khaw’s ­tenure was also with the CID, where he handled high-profile case investigations.

Khaw had tackled cases involving the country’s most notorious serial rapist, Lee Chow Meng, in 1997, the murder of Mongolian model Altantuya Shaariibuu in 2006 and the murder of cosmetics millionaire Datuk Sosilawati Lawiya and four of her associates in 2010.

Khaw said he is confident the NCID would be led by a capable successor after he retires.

“To be chosen as a director would mean the person has the qualities it takes to lead. Leadership is important to earn the respect of our personnel,” he said.

“To succeed in this fight against drugs, superiors must go down to the ground see for themselves what their personnel are going through.

“The welfare of our subordinates have to be cared for too.

“It is the same with fighting the drug menace. We must keep charging at it before it spawns and not wait to act when it gets out of control.

“A strong message must be sent out to the drug lords that we are constantly on their tails. This is why teamwork is so crucial and I am confident my successor will carry out his or her duties well,” added Khaw.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/03/15/ranks-based-on-merit-not-race

Be good, you are on cop camera

Keeping in check: Konst Wan Mohd Hazwan from the MPV unit showing his body-worn camera at IPD Dang Wangi in Kuala Lumpur. — AZHAR MAHFOF/The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: If you get stopped by a policeman and there is a green light blinking on his left chest, beware – you are on camera!

And there will be no getting away with any hanky-panky.

CLICK TO ENLARGE

After years of planning, police are finally being equipped with more than 7,000 bodycams, better known as Body Worn Cameras (BWCs).

The implementation of the BWCs will be done nationwide in stages, with frontline personnel – the patrol and traffic units – getting priority.

ALSO READ: BWC use must be monitored, say groups

“It started with the police contingents in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor on Oct 15 followed by Perlis on Nov 15 and Johor on Dec 10,” said Comm Datuk Wan Hassan Wan Ahmad, Bukit Aman’s Crime Prevention and Community Safety Department director.“So far 2,760 BWCs have been distributed as of Dec 10.

“For other police contingents, the process of registering user IDs for the purpose of check-ins of the use of the cameras is still ongoing,” he told The Star recently.

The full nationwide roll-out for all 7,648 BWCs will be completed by March next year.

“They will be available at 157 district police headquarters and 640 police stations nationwide.

“The distribution of the cameras will prioritise officers and personnel with the Mobile Patrol Vehicle (MPV) and the Motorcycle Patrol Units (URB) as well as those with the department who are conducting crime prevention patrols.

“They will also be distributed to Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department officers conducting traffic enforcement duties.

“BWCs will also be used in other police operations on a case-by-case basis,” he added.

Comm Wan Hassan said a successful pilot run was conducted from June 9 to July 14 at the Kuala Lumpur and Selangor police contingents.

The cameras were able to capture all the action of police officers along with their location when they interacted with the public, he said.

“It (BWC use) can elevate the image of the police force and increase people’s confidence in the police. It also improves transparency,” he added.

All those assigned with BWCs will be provided ample training prior to using it, he said.

“The BWCs will also be able to record up to eight hours of audio and video and there is a green light indicator (on top of the device) showing that it is switched on.

“Each user is equipped with a special BWC ID while on duty. Failure to switch on the BWC while on duty will result in disciplinary action,” he explained.

Those wearing BWCs are required to keep them on throughout their shift except during prayers or when going to the toilet.

“The video and audio recordings (from the BWCs) can be used as evidence in an investigation or prosecution.

“It can also protect the police and people from any baseless allegations.

“The BWCs will not only be able to curb wrongdoing and integrity problems among MPV and URB personnel, but also protect them from unwarranted criticism while going about their duties.

“We hope it will increase the integrity of those on duty and curb any possible wrongdoing or misdemeanours,” he added.

Asked if there were plans to expand the use of the BWCs to other police divisions and units, Comm Wan Hassan said plans were in the pipeline.

“However, we will need additional funds make these plans a reality,” he said.

Comm Wan Hassan said the police would move forward with the use of the latest technology in line with modern policing to curb and prevent crime.

“With technology advancing further, police work has become more challenging. I hope the BWCs would be able to improve the integrity of those in the force and increase the ‘feel safe’ factor among the public,” he added.

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IGP slams rogue policemen, Remove the rot from the force

 

EXCLUSIVE PETALING JAYA: There is a small segment of the police force that is delinquent, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) has admitted.

He said only about 2% of the police force have been found to have committed wrongdoings last year. Nevertheless, with a 137,000-strong police force, that means about 2,740 personnel have been found to be rogue.

Tan Sri Razarudin Husain (pic), exasperated and concerned over the bad press the police have received recently, is telling his officers to carry out their duties honourably to earn the trust and confidence of the public.

“I urge personnel, especially frontliners, who carry out their duties with integrity to elevate the image of the police force. Serve the public with integrity, this is all I ask,” he said.

Razarudin said that apart from disciplinary action including pay cuts, demotions, suspensions and dismissals over various wrongdoings, several police officers were also charged in court for committing serious crimes.

“It is this small percentage of cops who bring ill-repute and tarnish the image the police force.

These wrong-doers will face severe consequences. No crooked cop will be tolerated or spared from stern action.

“If their supervisors or station heads are found to be incompetent, then we will transfer them out and replace them with capable officers,” Razarudin told The Star.

ALSO READ: : Major shake-up coming for Selangor police stations

He said the police Integrity and Standard Compliance Department (JIPS) would continue to weed out delinquent personnel.

Over the past month, rogue cops have left the police top brass red-faced after running foul of the law.

On Sunday, a police station chief from Johor was caught on video assaulting a man at an undisclosed location. Johor police said the man was also transferred to the Batu Pahat police headquarters while he awaits the outcome of investigations.

On Wednesday, two Ampang Jaya policemen were arrested for allegedly raping a foreign student and robbing her male friend in Bukit Ampang View in Ampang Jaya.

ALSO READ: : Sergeant pleads not guilty over RM20k bribee

On Jan 4, four policemen from Kuala Lumpur were held for allegedly extorting RM10,000 from a man in Kepong.

Another six policemen attached to the Brickfields district police headquarters were arrested at a house in Taman Tan Yew Lai on the same day for allegedly processing ketum leaves for distribution and their own consumption.

Last month, three policemen who were part of a raiding party of a major operation against illegal immigrants at Jalan Silang on Dec 22 were arrested for stealing RM85,000 from a store.

On Dec 19, senior cop Deputy Supt Mohd Nazri Abdul Razak, 44, was charged with murder in Ipoh for allegedly crashing his car into a 17-year-old student and causing his death four days earlier.

Razarudin said daily reminders to stay away from undesirable acts are issued to frontline personnel who perform patrol duties or crime prevention rounds.

ALSO READ:  Bukit Aman will not compromise when it comes to rogue personnel

“They are constantly checked by their supervisors. They are reminded of their responsibility and to stay away from all wrongdoings in their daily briefings too. All rules, the dos and don’ts are all in place and we regularly improve these measures.

“However, despite drumming all these good values and advice into them, there are recalcitrant personnel who are defiant and choose to be involved in such acts.

“I can only say that it just boils down to one’s character and principles. If a person has evil intentions, no morals, no fear of God and the law, he will commit such acts,” he warned

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