Police Reveal Most Scam Victims Are Chinese; Urge Media to Help Raise Awareness

(Miri, 25th) The Northern Sarawak Journalists Association visited the Miri District Police Headquarters this afternoon for a courtesy call on the newly appointed Miri District Police Chief, Assistant Commissioner Lee Bing Chiang, to strengthen communication and cooperation between both parties, and to explore ways to jointly enhance public transparency and awareness regarding criminal information.

During the exchange, Lee Bing Chiang pointed out that with information disseminating rapidly on social media, it is especially important for the police and media to build a close collaborative relationship. He emphasized that false information and unfounded rumors can easily spread online, potentially causing public panic. Therefore, the police must maintain open communication channels with the media to ensure accurate information is delivered to the public at the first instance an event occurs.

He revealed that scam cases in Miri have been on the rise recently, with an increasing number of victims, and the Chinese community has become the most frequently targeted group.

"We receive scam reports almost every day, involving various methods such as phone scams, social media scams, and fake investment schemes. As the Chinese community is more active in online transactions and information platforms, they are more easily targeted by scam syndicates."

In response, the police will intensify anti-scam publicity and outreach initiatives to raise the public’s understanding and vigilance towards various scam tactics. He also called on the media to continue acting as a bridge, assisting the police in raising society’s anti-scam awareness through factual and responsible reporting.

Lee Bing Chiang added that the police place great importance on public cooperation and information sharing in efforts to combat crime. He cited a recent armed robbery case in which, with the assistance of information provided by the public, police successfully arrested several suspects, including both locals and foreigners.

"Police-community cooperation is crucial. We encourage more citizens to actively report suspicious activities so we can work together to build a safer community environment."

Those present at the visit included the Northern Sarawak Journalists Association President Chua Chuan Jin and Miri District Police Administration Head Assistant Superintendent Ahmad Fazli. Both parties also expressed hope to carry out more substantive cooperation in the future, especially in crime prevention and improving public safety, and to jointly formulate countermeasures.