Commercial crimes on the rise in Penang

A total of 777 commercial crimes involving losses amounting to RM39 million were reported in Penang from January till June.

Penang police chief Datuk Abdul Ghafar Rajab said it was a 112.9 percent increase as compared to the 365 cases recorded during the corresponding period last year.

"Of the figure, 569 cases were scams of the Macau and African types, breach of trust (110), cybercrimes (29) and the rest other types.

"Based on our studies, the higher number is also due to increased awareness among the public to report such cases even if the amount is small. This is a good development," he told reporters after launching a Commercial Crimes Prevention Campaign at Mydin Bertam here Saturday.

He added that Penang police would intensify efforts to combat this scourge.