837 Malaysians detained overseas for online scams as of 8 November

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA: A total of 837 Malaysians have been detained overseas for involvement in online scam activities as of 8 November, said Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan during a parliamentary session on 10 November.

He clarified that the figure relates solely to online fraud offences and excludes other criminal cases involving Malaysians abroad.

“In the last week alone, as at 8 November, 837 Malaysians have been detained abroad specifically for online scams.

That is just one category of offence – there are thousands of others detained for various crimes,” he told the Dewan Rakyat (House of Representatives).

Mohamad warned that the high number of such detentions could tarnish Malaysia’s international image.

“We want to uplift our country’s image, but when so many Malaysians are detained overseas for crimes that damage our reputation, it becomes a challenge,” he stated.

Breakdown of detentions by country and ethnicity

Of those detained for online scams, 765 are Chinese Malaysians, 34 Malays, 33 Indians, and five from other ethnic groups.

The largest number of detainees are in China, where 545 Malaysians (505 men and 40 women) are held. Another 162 are detained in Singapore, including 148 men and 14 women.

Other detentions have occurred in Japan (34), South Korea (22), India (20), Indonesia (11), and Thailand (10).

Calls for awareness and preventive measures

Mohamad urged Malaysians travelling overseas to be cautious and familiar with local laws.

“We advise all Malaysians travelling overseas to always be alert and to understand the laws of the host country. "

"We want our citizens to be responsible travellers who represent Malaysia well,” he said.

He was responding to Wong Shu Qi, Member of Parliament for Kluang, who asked whether the government plans to work with airlines to provide pre-departure briefings for travellers—particularly young or inexperienced ones—to prevent them from being exploited by scam syndicates.

Mohamad said the issue could be discussed with the Transport Ministry to explore collaboration with airlines and airports.

“We can consider pre-recorded public announcements at airports to remind Malaysians to be careful and avoid being used as drug mules or becoming involved in online scams,” he added.

Consular assistance and international cooperation

Mohamad explained that Malaysian diplomatic missions provide consular support when officially notified of a citizen’s detention.

“If informed, our officers will visit the detained Malaysian to check on their condition and determine what help they need – whether to contact their families or arrange for legal assistance. "

"However, this is done based on the individual’s consent,” he said.

He also highlighted that not all countries promptly inform embassies of detentions due to privacy laws, despite obligations under the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations (1963).

“Under the Vienna Convention, countries are expected to inform our missions if Malaysians are detained, but not all do so immediately,” he noted.

Cross-border cooperation on scams

Mohamad emphasised that transnational crimes, particularly online scams, are increasingly discussed at Asean and international platforms.

“Transnational crime, especially digital and borderless offences, requires close cooperation between countries. This matter has been discussed at Asean meetings and other regional forums, and I understand the Home Ministry is leading follow-up efforts,” he said.

The government’s ongoing focus, he added, is on strengthening cooperation with regional partners to combat cross-border fraud and protect Malaysian citizens from criminal exploitation abroad.