International online scam syndicates previously operating in Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia have allegedly relocated their operations to Malaysia in an attempt to evade law enforcement crackdowns, according to the Malaysian International Humanitarian Organisation (MHO).
Revealing the claim on Tuesday, MHO secretary-general Hishamuddin Hashim said intelligence gathered by the organisation indicates that Malaysia has become the latest operational hub for several transnational scam networks.
According to Hishamuddin, the move is believed to be a response to large-scale enforcement actions carried out by international authorities, including the United States’ Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), against scam compounds in neighbouring countries.
He said preliminary findings suggest that at least two strategic locations in Malaysia are currently being used as major operational centres by the syndicates.
“These syndicates are believed to have relocated and have been operating secretly at the identified locations for more than six months,” he told reporters during a press conference.
Hishamuddin described the situation as deeply concerning, noting that Malaysia has spent years assisting victims trapped in scam compounds in countries such as Myanmar and Cambodia.
“It is extremely embarrassing if Malaysia is now being turned into a haven for scammers after all the efforts undertaken to rescue victims abroad,” he said.
He stressed that it would be better for local authorities and organisations to expose the issue themselves before international agencies uncover the operations and damage Malaysia’s reputation.
The MHO chief said the organisation plans to submit information regarding the alleged scam centres to relevant authorities in the near future for further investigation.
At the same time, he urged Malaysians to come forward with information about suspicious premises, settlements or questionable recruitment activities involving both local and foreign workers.
“MHO calls on all Malaysians with any information regarding suspicious locations or activities linked to organised scam operations to report them immediately so we can help protect the country’s image,” he said.
Hishamuddin also assured potential whistleblowers that their identities and safety would be fully protected if they choose to provide information.
The allegations raise fresh concerns over the possible expansion of transnational cybercrime networks into Malaysia, as authorities continue efforts to combat online fraud and organised criminal syndicates across the region.
