2027 Budget: Security measures must deliver stronger enforcement, says criminologist

The 2027 Budget places greater emphasis on border security, fraud prevention, and online protection of children, according to criminologist Datuk Dr P. Sundramoorthy. Success will hinge on whether the RM490 million allocated to the Malaysia Border Control and Protection Agency (MCBA) effectively tackles vulnerabilities exploited by organized crime groups.

Smuggling, human trafficking, migrant smuggling, and the movement of illicit goods are complex issues that encompass networks of recruiters, transporters, financiers, intermediaries, and corrupt facilitators. Enforcement agencies must shift from merely apprehending individuals and consignments to identifying and dismantling these networks, according to Dr. Sundramoorthy.

Enhanced intelligence-sharing among the MCBA, police, Immigration Department, Customs Department, Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency, and regional partners, particularly in Thailand and Indonesia, is essential. Strengthening risk-based screening, surveillance, and intelligence-led inspections at entry points, along with proper staff training, equipment maintenance, and supervision, are also crucial.

Dr. Sundramoorthy stressed the importance of internal integrity, including transparent recruitment, regular integrity assessments, effective complaint mechanisms, and credible investigations into misconduct to prevent enforcement personnel from being compromised. The budget allocation should be evaluated based on measurable outcomes, such as the number of criminal networks disrupted, major organizers prosecuted, illicit financial flows identified, and trafficking victims protected.

Regarding artificial intelligence (AI) for scam prevention, Dr. Sundramoorthy cautioned that while AI can serve as an early-warning and risk-assessment tool, its effectiveness relies on the quality and timeliness of data, rapid flagging of suspicious accounts, and frequent system updates. Criminals can easily alter their contact information and tactics, leading to false positives.

Public awareness campaigns should educate people on recognizing manipulation, verifying identities independently, and pausing before transferring funds, especially when confronted with high-pressure requests. At the enforcement level, cooperation among law enforcement agencies, the National Scam Response Centre, Bank Negara Malaysia, financial institutions, telecommunications providers, and international partners is necessary to trace funds and investigate scam organizers.

Attention should be given to money mules, shell entities, recruitment networks, and cross-border financial flows, distinguishing between knowingly involved parties and those deceived. The true test of the AI initiative is not merely the number of flagged numbers, but its ability to prevent victimization, reduce financial losses, expedite fund recovery, and assist in prosecuting the individuals behind these crimes.

Strengthening the Malaysia Internet Crime Against Children system requires identifying patterns, linking cases, and detecting networks earlier to improve investigations into online child sexual exploitation. However, analytical capabilities alone are insufficient for successful prosecutions; it also demands trained personnel, digital-forensic specialists, and procedures to preserve and present admissible evidence.