Parents must caution teens that mule accounts can lead to legal action, says Ewon

PENAMPANG, Aug 29 — Parents must caution their teenagers against participating in mule account syndicates, as it could lead to legal consequences, according to Sabah Deputy Chief Minister III Datuk Ewon Benedick. The Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport Minister emphasized that allowing others to use one's bank account could result in legal action if the account is implicated in fraudulent or unlawful transactions.

"This is something we need to pay attention to. We need to remind ourselves, parents and children, especially teenagers, not to be easily deceived or allow their accounts to be used by others," he stressed during the Digital Parenting Programme Series IV for Kapayan state constituency, organized by the National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN).

Ewon, also a Penampang Member of Parliament, highlighted the impact of digital technology on daily life, including financial transactions, business dealings, and government assistance applications. He noted the growing use of QR code payments and online entrepreneurship grant submissions. However, he cautioned against an overreliance on smartphones at the expense of other life responsibilities.

Ewon expressed optimism that the sharing sessions would improve parents' understanding and assist them in guiding their children in safely, responsibly, and wisely using digital technology. "I will continue to support parenting initiatives like this, which benefit the community and remind me of my responsibilities as a father," he concluded.