BNM strengthens digital security and speeds up NSRC actions as Penang loses over RM90 million to scams in just six months.
GEORGE TOWN: Bank Negara Malaysia is strengthening digital security systems and accelerating action through the National Scam Response Centre to combat financial fraud.
Deputy Governor Adnan Zaylani Mohamad Zahid said these efforts are crucial to maintain public confidence in conducting safe financial transactions.
“Penang residents lost over RM90 million to financial scams in the first half of this year alone,” he revealed at the Penang Financial Literacy Carnival closing ceremony.
He warned that scam tactics constantly evolve, becoming more sophisticated and difficult to detect.
“Today it may be a fake phone call, tomorrow a fake website or an application that looks legitimate,” he said, urging constant public vigilance.
Digital security forms a key focus of Financial Literacy Month 2025, with the Financial Literacy Squad visiting over 100 locations and engaging 23,000 people nationwide.
Engagement sessions identified three main public needs: savings and debt management awareness, investment and digital scam confusion, and easy-to-understand financial guidance.
Adnan Zaylani emphasised delivering financial knowledge in simple language and returning to Islamic finance values of trust, fairness and public interest.
The central bank will continue the FLM initiative under the National Strategy for Financial Literacy 2026–2030, aiming to make financial literacy a way of life.
The three-day Penang carnival brought financial education directly to the community through interactive exhibitions, workshops and family activities, attracting 20,000 visitors.
The event marked the culmination of FLM2025, launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim last month. – Bernama
