Overseas scammers targeting Malaysians can now face action, says Bukit Aman CCID

Rusdi said stronger investigative powers relating to data preservation and disclosure, traffic data collection and the interception of communications were also important in tackling cybercrime. — File picture by Yusof Mat Isa

First Published: Friday, 06 Nov 2026 10:37 AM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 6 — The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) have welcomed the government’s move to strengthen the country’s legal framework through the Cybercrime Bill 2026, particularly provisions allowing legal action against offenders operating from overseas.

Bukit Aman Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) director Datuk Rusdi Mohd Isa said such action could be taken if the offences involved computer systems in Malaysia or Malaysian victims.

He said cybercrime and online scams were no longer confined by geographical boundaries, with syndicates operating from overseas using digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence (AI) technology and identity impersonation to target victims in Malaysia.

“The cross-border jurisdiction provisions provide a clearer legal basis for investigations and enforcement action against offenders operating overseas,” he said in a statement today.

Rusdi said stronger investigative powers relating to data preservation and disclosure, traffic data collection and the interception of communications were also important in tackling cybercrime.

He said the provisions would strengthen PDRM’s efforts to combat online scam syndicates, improve investigative effectiveness and deter criminals who believed they could evade the law by operating across national borders or through digital technology.

“The CCID remains committed to ensuring that cyberspace does not become a safe haven for criminals.

“Combating cybercrime requires relevant legislation, responsive enforcement capabilities and cooperation between agencies and countries to protect the public from increasingly complex digital threats,” he said.

Today, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said in a written parliamentary reply published on the Parliament’s official website that Clause 2 of the Cybercrime Bill 2026 allows legal action to be taken against offenders overseas as if the offences had been committed in Malaysia.

He said implementation of the Bill would strengthen enforcement agencies through more responsive investigative powers and cross-border jurisdiction provisions to curb cybercrime, including online scams involving AI.

The Cybercrime Bill 2026, passed by Parliament last July, was drafted to repeal the Computer Crimes Act 1997 (Act 563) and address gaps in the law, including those relating to cross-border cybercrime and the misuse of AI technology. —  Bernama