The Deputy Chief Police Officer of Penang YDH DCP Dato’ Mohd Alwi bin Zainal Abidin officiated at the “PDRM Pulau Pinang – MCPF Penang Scam Awareness QR Code (Mini-App / Infographics) Official Launching at Penang Golf Club, Bukit Jambul on 20th February 2025. The Event jointly organized by MCPF Penang in collaboration with the Royal Malaysia Police of Penang (Crime Prevention and Community Safety Department & Commercial Crime Investigation Departments was to heighten the public awareness about the dangers of fraudulent crimes specifically online scams that are increasing at a pervasively alarmingly level. DCP Dato’ Mohd Alwi stressed that this serious problem is impacting various sectors and strata of the population including professionals, retirees, workers and young adults. He stressed that in spite of frequent reports publicizing such the public level of awareness in recognizing the signs of deception remains low.

Cybercrimes has now been elevated to a cross border threat that requires the cooperation of all parties to combat it. Online scams not only brings financial losses and ruins, it also has a deep traumatic impact to victims. This newly introduced QR Code allows the public to assess useful information / tips through easy-to-understand Infographics, and can be downloaded to be used anywhere making it easier for society to learn preventive measures from falling victim to scams. DCP Dato’ Mohd Alwi expressed his appreciation to all concerned especially MCPF Penang and involved Departments of the Royal Malaysia Police, Penang. He hoped that this initiative will be a catalyst for increased public awareness as well as encouraging more cooperation in efforts to curb fraud crimes.

Also present at the ceremony were Y.Bhg. Dato’ Seri Ong Poh Eng, Chairman of MCPF Penang; Y.Bhg. Dato’ Seri Ayub bin Yaakob, Senior Vice-Chairman of MCPF; YDH SAC Rahimi bin Ra’ais, JPJKK Assistant Director of Bukit Aman and Executive Secretary of MCPF; YDH SAC Puspanathan a/l Wiresingam, Head of Penang Crime Prevention and Community Safety Department; Y.Bhg. Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye, Honorary Life Member cum Founding Member of MCPF; Y.Bhg. Dato’ Dr. P. Sundramoorthy, Assoc. Professor (Honorary) – Centre for Policy Research, Universiti Sains Malaysia and Advisor, MCPF Penang; Y.Bhg. Dato’ Seri K. Pulayantran, EXCO Member of MCPF and Deputy Chairman, MCPF Penang; Head of PDRM Departments, Penang; Head of Police Districts, Head of Formation; MCPF Federal / Secretariat, MCPF Penang State Liaison Committee and District Liaison Committees; and invited guests.

The sizeable audience included management of supermarkets, hypermarkets, shopping malls, petrol stations, Rapid Penang, and, FREPENCA Member Companies. The VIPs visited Exhibition Booths set up by PDRM JSJK, MCPF, Bank Negara and MCMC. YDH DSP Pang Meng Tuck, the Deputy Head of Commercial Crime Investigation Department, RMP Penang shared great insights on the various On-Line Scams including statistics and current situation in Penang State, modus operandi, examples, pertinent tips and advise. His talk was followed by a ‘User Guide’ shared by MCPF Penang Secretary Mr. Johnny Michael Tan who touched on the 6 Key Scams covered in the Mini-App / Infographics QR Code encompassing Scams powered by Artificial Intelligence; Call Centre Scams; Mobile App Scams; Parcel Scams; Love Scams and Investment Scams. This significant Program / Event received a good Press / Media coverage.