Johor records nearly 10,000 commercial crime cases with RM212.64m in losses, says state top cop

Johor police registered nearly 10,000 commercial crime cases and incurred losses amounting to RM212.64 million during the first nine months of the year, according to state police chief Datuk Ab Rahaman Arsad. This marked a 3,036-case increase from the same period last year, despite a decline in financial losses from RM252.57 million. Over 90% of the reported cases between January and September involved online scams, he said.

Ab Rahaman emphasized the need for more proactive measures in light of the surge in reported cases, as fraud and scams continue to evolve with technological advancements and a more sophisticated digital landscape. The state's overall crime index rose to 4,343 cases, up from 4,152, with violent crimes increasing to 1,123 from 981, and property crimes escalating to 3,220 from 3,171.

Police are currently awaiting instructions from the Johor State Prosecutor's Office regarding the decision to charge a juvenile suspect in the murder of Form Four student Irene Sofiya Mohd Khairool Faisal. Irene was found unconscious and severely injured at a school hall in Yong Peng, Batu Pahat on October 3, ultimately succumbing to her injuries. A 16-year-old boy was remanded for six days to assist with the investigation, with his detention subsequently extended for another six days until the following Friday.