{
  "id": 6123376,
  "title": "Police proposes heavier sentences, rotan for online scammers",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/07/police-proposes-heavier-sentences-rotan-for-online-scammers",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-07T10:03:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2026/09/1527700/police-proposes-heavier-sentences-rotan-online-scammers"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "KUALA LUMPUR: In a bid to combat the escalating issue of cybercrime, the Police Force has suggested modifications to existing legislation and harsher punishments, which may include caning, for individuals involved in online scams. Inspector-General of Police, Tan Sri Mohd Khalid Ismail, emphasized that more stringent deterrents are essential to safeguard public safety. He argued that the present penalties imposed by the courts are insufficiently punitive and fail to act as a deterrent to the perpetrators and members of scam networks. Although arrests are occurring frequently across the country, the penalties do not instill sufficient fear in the criminals. This issue has been brought to the attention of the relevant ministry and government authorities, with the aim of enacting legislative amendments that align with evolving technological standards and international practices. This statement was made by Ismail during the concluding remarks of the PDRM and Media Prima Berhad Strategic Communications Collaboration Programme at Bukit Aman today.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR: Police has proposed amendments to outdated laws and tougher penalties, including rotan, for online scammers.",
  "key_points": [
    "Police proposes heavier sentences for online scammers",
    "Caning suggested as punishment for cybercriminals",
    "Legislative changes aimed at addressing evolving tech"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The proposed harsher punishments for online scammers signal a shift towards a more aggressive approach to combat cybercrime, aiming to enhance public safety and deter criminal activity.",
  "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."
}