{
  "id": 12140158,
  "title": "Government looking into caning mule account holders",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/05/government-looking-into-caning-mule-account-holders",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-05T11:04:05.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2026/10/1548368/government-looking-caning-mule-account-holders"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Malaysian government is examining the possibility of implementing caning as an additional punishment for certain offences involving the misuse of mule accounts. Deputy Home Minister Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah explained that the proposal aims to tackle the growing threat posed by sophisticated financial fraud syndicates. The ministry is reviewing the adequacy of current penalties and assessing their impact within the nation's criminal justice system. This comprehensive review will involve collaboration with stakeholders, including the Attorney-General's Chambers and other relevant agencies. During a recent parliamentary session, Khoo Poay Tiong (PH-Kota Melaka) inquired about the Triumph FX investment fraud case. Shamsul Anuar noted that police conducted over 100,000 raids on fraud syndicate call centres between 2023 and August, leading to the arrest of 9,159 individuals across the entire syndicate hierarchy. In the first eight months of this year alone, there were 3,395 raids resulting in 3,128 arrests. Shamsul Anuar emphasized that these enforcement efforts aim to disrupt the entire criminal network, not just targeting low-level participants, but also those who control, manage, and benefit from the illicit activities.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR:The government is reviewing and considering a proposal to impose caning as an additional punishment for specific offences involving the misuse of mule accounts.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}