Over 500 attend scam awareness programme in Kuala Lumpur

More than 500 participants filled the Thean Hou Convention Hall here last night for a Scam Awareness Programme jointly hosted by the British Graduates Association Malaysia (BGAM) and the Persatuan Hainan Selangor & Wilayah Persekutuan (PHSWP). The full house turnout reflected the growing urgency among Malaysians to guard themselves against scams and cyber threats, which continue to spread rapidly and affect communities nationwide.

The event opened with remarks from BGAM President and Malaysian Crime Prevention Foundation (MCPF) Exco Member, Datuk Kamarudin Md Ali, and PHSWP Deputy President, Dato’ Seri Foo Sae Heng. Both leaders underlined that knowledge and vigilance are the most effective weapons against scams, which have become increasingly sophisticated and difficult to detect. Their call for preventive education set the tone for an evening centred on awareness and empowerment.

Insights on scam tactics

The keynote lecture was delivered by ACP Lai Lee Ching of the Royal Malaysia Police, who detailed the diverse tactics used by scam syndicates. She highlighted how fraudsters exploit technology, personal vulnerabilities, and even social trust to deceive victims, ranging from online investment fraud to romance scams and impersonation schemes.

ACP Lai stressed that prevention is as critical as enforcement, urging participants to act as “ambassadors of vigilance” by sharing their knowledge within families, workplaces, and communities. Her address reinforced the police’s commitment to tackling scams, while also emphasising that community awareness is a vital line of defence.

Cybersecurity and community collaboration

The forum session that followed gave participants the chance to engage directly with experts. Among them was Eugene Teow, Managing Director of Cygnus Technology, who outlined practical measures for building cybersecurity resilience. He encouraged both individuals and organisations to practise good cyber hygiene, adopt secure IT systems, and comply with laws such as the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) and the Cyber Security Act.

The strong collaboration between BGAM and PHSWP was also central to the programme’s success. By bringing together a professional graduates’ body and a cultural association under one roof, the event demonstrated how diverse segments of society can unite to tackle a common threat.

Building a culture of vigilance

The Scam Awareness Programme ended with a resounding reminder: vigilance remains Malaysia’s strongest shield against scams. With enthusiastic participation and clear take-home lessons, the event was more than just an awareness drive – it was a collective pledge to foster resilience in the face of increasingly sophisticated threats.

As part of its outreach, organisers also shared practical tips with participants: never share one-time passwords, verify suspicious calls through official hotlines, stay alert to offers that sound too good to be true, safeguard personal data, and use secure networks. Scams can be reported to the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) at 997.

The night’s proceedings affirmed a simple but powerful message – Malaysians are not powerless in the fight against scams. With knowledge, awareness, and a united community, the nation can stand stronger against fraud and deception.