Two Men In Penang Lose RM2.35 Mln In Investment Scams

GEORGE TOWN, June 22 (Bernama) -- Two men, including a senior citizen, suffered a loss of RM2.35 million after each fell victim to online investment fraud syndicates, in separate incidents in Penang recently.
Penang police chief Datuk Hamzah Ahmad said in the first case, the Commercial Crime Investigation Division (BSJK) of Seberang Perai Tengah district police headquarters received a complaint from a 57-year-old local man who is an insurance agent in Perai, yesterday after suffering a loss of almost RM1.5 million.
"According to the man, he had seen a stock investment advertisement promising high returns on Facebook in December and the victim then contacted the female suspect via the WhatsApp application.
"The investment offered various packages with promises of lucrative returns and the victim was interested in participating, before downloading the stock investment application and on Dec 30 made the first transfer of RM9,999 and earning a profit of RM18,400," he said in a statement today.
He said that following that his confidence grew in the investment, the victim then made 35 money transfers between Feb 17 and April 24 into seven bank accounts belonging to different companies involving a total of RM1,495,176.
Hamzah said the man only realised he had been a victim of fraud after failing to withdraw profits on the investment application and was even asked to make an additional payment.
For the second case, he said a 73-year-old elderly man who is a retired accountant at a factory had filed a police report at north-east police headquarters yesterday after also falling victim to an online investment scam involving a loss of RM855,001.
"According to the victim, he saw an investment advertisement for cryptocurrency investments that offered high profits in a short period of time on Facebook in March and the elderly person clicked on the advertisement link before contacting the female suspect via the WhatsApp application," he said.
Hamzah said the victim joined and downloaded the investment application before making 14 transactions to five bank accounts belonging to different companies from April 15 to June 11, but did not receive any profits.

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Barnama

3 hours ago

• Barnama

Embrace Diversity As A Strength, Not A Source Of Division

KUCHING, June 22 (Bernama) -- Racial diversity should be embraced as a strength to enhance national unity, rather than as a battleground for rivalry or a means to showcase superiority and ego, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said. He said that in many other countries, such diversity has led to racial and religious hostility, eventually burdening the nation and negatively affecting the people. 'Unity within our multiracial society is increasingly essential to ensure that Malaysia remains strong amid the current uncertain global geopolitical landscape. 'Never underestimate the potential problems if you are disunited. The geopolitical conditions are so challenging and alarming. The future is never certain. But what we can ensure is a united Malaysia,' he said. Anwar was speaking at the 2025 Sarawak-level Gawai Dayak celebration dinner at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here tonight, which was also attended by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sarawak Tun Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his wife Toh Puan Fauziah Mohd Sanusi were the guests of honour at the event. Anwar said as prime minister, he feels proud in showcasing the country's cultural and racial diversity, especially as Malaysia assumes the ASEAN chairmanship this year and when receiving foreign dignitaries and corporate leaders. He said this was exemplified during a recent meeting with ConocoPhillips Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Ryan Lance, where he wore a traditional Iban outfit gifted to him earlier by Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi. 'So I told him (Ryan) about Sarawak, about the beauty of the culture, that's what we have to do. And I take great pride as a Malaysian to speak to one of the great multi-billion dollar companies, probably one of the biggest oil companies in the world and number one in the United States,' he said.

Borneo Post

3 hours ago

• Borneo Post

Abang Johari praises Malaysia's global recognition under Asean charimanship

Abang Johari gestures during his speech at the 2025 Sarawak-level Gawai Dayak celebration dinner held at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here tonight. – Bernama photo KUCHING (June 22): Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has extended his congratulations to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and the Cabinet for elevating Malaysia's stature while chairing Asean this year. He said Malaysia's leadership at the regional level has earned recognition from Asean member states as well as external partners who appreciate Malaysia's approach as a multiracial and multi-religious nation living in harmony. 'We have seen several recognitions given by our Asean partners who observe how we develop our country with people of different races and religions living under one roof as one big family. 'In this regard, we in Sarawak certainly give our full support towards positioning Malaysia as a nation respected by the world today,' he said. He was speaking at the 2025 Sarawak-level Gawai Dayak celebration dinner held at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here tonight. With the support of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Abang Johari said the state government is committed to realising the Asean Grid project, which has great potential and would enable Sarawak to play a strategic role as a major energy hub in the region. 'I had a brief discussion with the Prime Minister earlier, and I hope that one of the strategies we adopt will help realise your vision for the Asean Grid, which will provide an economic development boost to ASEAN, particularly through Malaysia's contribution,' he said. The Premier also said the presence of Anwar and Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi at the cultural event reflected the strong relationship between the Federal Government and Sarawak. 'In fact, I was informed that the Prime Minister had another engagement scheduled for tonight. But he said, 'No, I want to go to Sarawak'… This reflects the close bond of brotherhood,' he added. Themed 'Peji Kenep Panau Pegep', which means 'United We Progress' in the Kayan ethnic language, the event featured traditional performances by the Orang Ulu, Bidayuh and Iban communities. The celebration was graced by the presence of Sarawak Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his wife Toh Puan Fauziah Mohd Sanusi. Also in attendance, among others, were Dewan Negara President Senator Datuk Awang Bemee Bin Awang Ali Basah, Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, and Gawai Dayak celebration main organising committee chairman, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas. – Bernama Abang Johari Tun Openg anwar ibrahim asean Asean grid

The Star

4 hours ago

• The Star

41-year-old cyclist dies after accident with car in Singapore's Bugis

A cyclist can be seen riding across one side of the junction, and appears to be going against a red traffic light. -- PHOTO: SCREENGRAB FROM SG ROAD VIGILANTE - SGRV/FACEBOOK SINGAPORE (The Straits Times/ANN): A 41-year-old cyclist who was taken to the hospital after an accident with a car in Bugis on the morning of June 19 has died. The Straits Times first reported about the accident on June 19. The cyclist died the next day, according to the police. The police said they were alerted to the accident at Victoria Street towards Kallang Road at 6.30am that day. In video footage of the accident uploaded on the SG Road Vigilante Facebook page, a cyclist can be seen riding across one side of the junction. He appears to be going against a red traffic light. As he crosses the middle of the junction, a car comes into the frame, and the ensuing collision sends him flying off his bicycle. The traffic light for the car changes from yellow to red just before the point of impact. The cyclist was taken unconscious to Tan Tock Seng Hospital, where he later died, said the police and the Singapore Civil Defence Force. A 44-year-old male car driver is assisting with police investigations. - The Straits Times/ANN