Kelantan commercial crime losses hit RM33.5m in first eight months of 2026 as scam surge

Kota Bharu, Sept 22 — Commercial crime losses in Kelantan surged to RM33.47 million for the first eight months of 2026, a RM5.97 million increase compared to RM27.50 million reported during the same period last year, according to Kelantan police chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat. The number of commercial crime cases rose from 1,100 to 1,921, an increase of 821 cases.

E-commerce scams saw a significant spike, jumping from 260 to 657 cases, while cybercrimes as a whole increased from 287 to 444 cases. Mohd Yusoff emphasized the need for rapid changes in prevention and public awareness due to the shifting nature of crime alongside technological advancements. Despite the rise in commercial crime, the overall crime index in the Kelantan contingent dropped by three percent, declining from 1,251 cases to 1,213 cases.

Violent crime fell by 11 percent, while property crime remained stable. Drug-related offenses decreased by 13 percent, with arrests also dropping by 10 percent. The value of seized drugs decreased by 31.49 percent, attributed to intensified efforts in combating the drug threat. Mohd Yusoff highlighted ongoing prevention strategies, such as MPV and URB patrols, AMANITA, community policing programs, and collaborations with agencies.

He stressed the importance of community participation, particularly through the Volunteer Smartphone Patrol, which saw 150,019 registrations by August 31. Engaging young people in these efforts requires addressing their digital influence while maintaining face-to-face interactions to build trust. These efforts are crucial to ensure public safety, in line with the police's duty to maintain peace in the state.