(Putrajaya, 22nd) Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar is expected to officiate the opening ceremony of the National Scam Response Center (NSRC)'s new office at Block 2 of the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) in Cyberjaya in January 2026.
Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi stated that the establishment of the new office is one of the government's measures to enhance its capacity to deal with online scam cases and to assist in recovering funds for victims who report promptly.
Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi stated that the establishment of the new office is one of the government's measures to enhance its capacity to deal with online scam cases and to assist in recovering funds for victims who report promptly.
He said the NSRC, originally located at Sasana Kijang of Bank Negara Malaysia, has now been relocated to Block 2 of the MCMC for more efficient and integrated operations.
He made these remarks in an interview with Bernama, which was conducted by Editor-in-Chief Arul Rajoo, Acting Deputy Editor-in-Chief (National News) Mohamad Sukri, and Executive Editor of Economic News, Sharawati.
He made these remarks in an interview with Bernama, which was conducted by Editor-in-Chief Arul Rajoo, Acting Deputy Editor-in-Chief (National News) Mohamad Sukri, and Executive Editor of Economic News, Sharawati.
Fahmi mentioned that with the relocation, the NSRC now operates round-the-clock, 24 hours a day, and is equipped with more manpower, further enhancing its response capability.
The NSRC was officially launched on October 12, 2022, and could be contacted via the 997 hotline. At that time, service hours were from 8am to 8pm, receiving around 300 to 400 calls daily.
He said since moving to Block 2 of the MCMC on November 17, the NSRC has switched to 24-hour operations and now receives around 500 to 700 calls daily.
The NSRC was officially launched on October 12, 2022, and could be contacted via the 997 hotline. At that time, service hours were from 8am to 8pm, receiving around 300 to 400 calls daily.
He said since moving to Block 2 of the MCMC on November 17, the NSRC has switched to 24-hour operations and now receives around 500 to 700 calls daily.
He stated that this increase reflects that the center has become the main channel for the public to seek timely assistance and avoid greater financial losses.
He urged victims to contact the NSRC within 30 to 60 minutes after an incident to increase the chances of recovering transferred funds, as any delay can make handling the case more difficult.
He said the NSRC, under the Ministry of Home Affairs, will continue to be strengthened to ensure swift action especially in freezing accounts and tracing the flow of funds in online scam cases.
Fahmi pointed out that the NSRC's quick response capabilities include close cooperation between the police and commercial banks to recover victims' funds, with both agencies now stationed at the center.
He urged victims to contact the NSRC within 30 to 60 minutes after an incident to increase the chances of recovering transferred funds, as any delay can make handling the case more difficult.
He said the NSRC, under the Ministry of Home Affairs, will continue to be strengthened to ensure swift action especially in freezing accounts and tracing the flow of funds in online scam cases.
Fahmi pointed out that the NSRC's quick response capabilities include close cooperation between the police and commercial banks to recover victims' funds, with both agencies now stationed at the center.
He said preliminary analysis found that online scam activities follow certain time patterns, and delayed reporting is the main reason victims struggle to recover their losses.
"Based on the information and data obtained, we may implement some measures, including collaborating with commercial banks, as we have found that actions taken by banks previously have had a positive effect, but there are still some suggestions pending further implementation."
He also emphasized that the government has never discriminated among types of online scam victims; whether falling for high-return investment scams or other types of scams, all forms of fraud are considered crimes under the law.
He said the government has amended several laws to ensure the definition of online scams is clear and that enforcement does not show bias based on victims' motives or awareness.
"Based on the information and data obtained, we may implement some measures, including collaborating with commercial banks, as we have found that actions taken by banks previously have had a positive effect, but there are still some suggestions pending further implementation."
He also emphasized that the government has never discriminated among types of online scam victims; whether falling for high-return investment scams or other types of scams, all forms of fraud are considered crimes under the law.
He said the government has amended several laws to ensure the definition of online scams is clear and that enforcement does not show bias based on victims' motives or awareness.