TAWAU: Sabah Drug and Crime Prevention Organization (PPDDS) Advisor Mohd Zaki Harry Susanto said the recent police raid at a resort against an online scam syndicate posing as Chinese police officers, is commendable. It also underscores the growing severity of scam-related crimes in the district.
He noted that the arrest of about 80 individuals in the joint operation shows these scam syndicates are no longer small-scale operations, but are functioning in an organised and systematic manner.
“This is not an isolated issue. It clearly demonstrates that Tawau now faces a very worrying cybercrime threat that requires comprehensive action,” he said.
Zaki also expressed concern over external perceptions that have begun labelling Tawau as a “scammer hub,” with some even calling it the “second Myanmar” due to the rise in online scam cases.
He said such perceptions, if left unchecked, could harm the district’s image and undermine investor confidence as well as the local tourism sector.
“Labels like these are very concerning. They not only tarnish Tawau’s reputation but also give the impression that the district has become a central base for scam syndicate operations,” he explained.
In this regard, he emphasised that authorities need to focus on tracking down the real masterminds behind the operations, not just arresting individuals involved at lower levels.
He stated that taking firm action against the syndicate leaders is crucial to breaking the crime chain and ensuring that similar activities do not recur in the future.
Meanwhile, Zaki also reminded young people in Tawau not to be easily influenced by lucrative job offers, which are actually tactics to recruit them into scam syndicates.
“Youth need to be more cautious and smart in assessing job offers. Do not let economic pressures lead you into crime that ultimately ruins your own future,” he said.
He also called for cooperation from all parties, including families, communities, and relevant agencies, to strengthen awareness and prevention of cybercrime at the grassroots level.
