The National Scam Response Centre blocked RM2.4 billion from being stolen in January, with RM321 million returned to victims after swift reporting.

KUALA LUMPUR: The National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) intercepted RM2.408 billion belonging to online scam victims throughout January 2026.

Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah (pic) revealed the centre received 19,438 scam-related calls during that period.

He stated that RM321.3 million, or 13% of the frozen total, had been successfully returned to victims through the refund process.

“Although the percentage is small, the data emphasises how important it is for victims to take swift action to report cases within the ‘golden period’ of less than 24 hours,” Shamsul Anuar said in the Dewan Rakyat.

He was responding to a question from Tan Hong Pin (PH-Bakri) on efforts to tackle mule account syndicates.

The minister explained that late reporting drastically reduces the chance of recovering funds.

“If reports were made late, the likelihood of successfully blocking the funds was lower as the money would usually have been transferred or withdrawn in multiple layers by the syndicate,” he said.

He urged victims to contact the NSRC hotline at 997 immediately after discovering a scam.

The centre’s capabilities have been enhanced by the National Fraud Portal (NFP) for faster fund tracking and mule account detection.

Shamsul Anuar also advised the public to check official alert lists from Bank Negara Malaysia and the Securities Commission before transferring money.

Meanwhile, identified mule accounts have risen sharply, from 46,433 in 2023 to 87,209 in 2025.

“This reflects increasingly strengthened detection and enforcement actions,” the deputy minister said.

He confirmed police are taking firm action against mule account holders, including arrests and asset seizures.

 The Sun Malaysia