Malaysia Strengthens Digital Scam Prevention Through National Fraud Portal

Malaysia is leveraging its National Fraud Portal (NFP) to improve the detection of digital financial scams and speed up the tracing and recovery of stolen funds. Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) Assistant Governor Dr Norhana Endut said approximately 95% of fraud and scam cases in the country involve authorised transactions, where victims are manipulated into approving payments themselves.

The figures highlight how scammers increasingly exploit trust and psychological pressure rather than relying solely on unauthorised access to accounts.

National Fraud Portal

Speaking during a panel discussion in Bangkok, Norhana explained that the portal provides an automated platform for reporting cases, tracing fund movements and coordinating recovery efforts across financial institutions.

She said the system has reduced the time needed to complete fund tracing by 75% and helped authorities identify suspicious new accounts more quickly.

Norhana added that increasingly sophisticated scams and instant payment systems have shortened the time available for intervention. Malaysia is therefore adopting a broader strategy combining prevention, enforcement, recovery and public awareness.

She stressed that banks, telecommunications providers and digital platforms must work together, share relevant intelligence and respond rapidly to emerging threats.

Stronger coordination and clear operating procedures, she said, are essential to reducing duplication and improving the effectiveness of anti-scam efforts. The initiative forms part of wider regional discussions on building safer and more trusted digital financial systems.