KUALA LUMPUR: The bilingual proficiency of most Malaysians make them prime candidates as victim to online fraud syndicates.
Many are lured into scams promising high-paying jobs in neighboring countries, and these syndicates operate through various online platforms, with a particular affinity for exploiting social media. Some even employ local agents to find potential victims.
Daniel Khoo, the Public Relations Officer of the Malaysian Humanitarian Organization (MHO), disclosed this during a media briefing held here today.
He added that while it used to be commonly reported that the Chinese community was frequently targeted, these syndicates are now extending their reach to all ethnic groups, including Malays and Indians.
"They often leverage social media, and there are even cases of 'friends luring friends' with the promise of unreasonably high salaries. I implore you not to trust such offers," he stated during the media briefing.
Daniel noted that many young individuals are falling prey to these scams, despite widespread warnings through the mass media.
He added, "If you come across such advertisements, even if they are shared by a friend, please take the time to discuss it with your parents or conduct background checks on the company through the foreign affairs ministry.
We hope that the government will take measures to address this issue, such as tightening the requirements for individuals under the age of 40 seeking to travel to high-risk countries."