Empowerment and Roles of women in scam alert

7 July 2025

KOTA KINABALU: During the Women’s Leadership Programme and Online Fraud Awareness Event at Wisma IDS (Institute for Development Studies) on Sunday, Kapayan State Assemblywoman Datuk Jannie Lasimbang highlighted the crucial role of the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) in tackling online scams and emphasising the importance of women being vigilant.

Attended by approximately 50 participants, the event aimed to raise awareness of online fraud, with a particular focus on the vulnerability of women and the role that MCMC plays in safeguarding the public.

Reflecting on the event, Jannie expressed her positive views: “I believe the first session on preventing online fraud was very beneficial, more people are now aware. Not only did they speak, but the MCMC representatives also shared insights. We have to listen to this carefully.”

She noted that law enforcement agencies, including the police and prisons, had been addressing online scams for the last three years, observing their evolving impact and gaining a deeper understanding of these crimes.

“They've added new points to their knowledge daily as scams become more sophisticated,” she said.

Despite the limited time, she believed the programme provided a valuable overview, stating “The participants will now be better equipped with information on how to protect themselves. My initial impression is that awareness is key, if everyone stays vigilant, scams cannot succeed.”

Addressing the ongoing threat, she observed that scams have grown more advanced over the years.

“This issue will persist, especially targeting women, who are often more vulnerable due to the types of jobs they hold,” she explained. “Women tend to trust more easily, which makes them prime targets. Scams to steal money are also prevalent among women.”

She called on the MCMC to intensify their efforts,  “The agency must do more. The Minister concerned should take this seriously, ensuring enforcement measures are in place to stop or shut down scam operations swiftly. While I see some efforts ongoing, more needs to be done, especially in light of AI technology now being involved.”

She warned that AI-generated content, although admirable in advancement of technology, such as human-like songs or messages, it could be exploited for scams, increasing the risk of targeted victims.

“We must be more alert. Scammers often provide clickable links or easily accessible information, but current efforts are more passive. We need proactive measures, including stricter regulations and swift action when scams are identified.”

She stressed that better reporting, awareness, and understanding are vital,  “The MCMC has the capacity to do more. As scams become more sophisticated, they must be quick to inform the public of new threats. Stricter laws and enforcement are essential, and the public must be educated on how to detect and report scams.”

On the subject of women’s empowerment, Jannie underscored its importance saying, “Women’s strength is fundamental to empowerment. We must continue efforts to enhance women’s confidence, leadership, and access to opportunities. When women occupy leadership roles, they influence many other areas of development.”

Citing statistics shared during the event, she noted that women in positions of influence can drive positive change.

 “When women are in leadership, they develop various sectors further. This is a key aspect of empowerment, enabling women to achieve greater strength and independence.”

She also emphasised that women’s empowerment begins within the family and individual self-belief: “Women need to start from within, from opportunities and their families. Their desire to succeed is vital, and they must be prepared to face challenges.”

While acknowledging the importance of supportive laws and policies, she stressed that effective implementation at the governmental level is crucial, “Legislation alone isn’t enough; these laws must be enforced properly.”

She highlighted the importance of ongoing research and commitment, “The programme is a vital step in strengthening women’s empowerment. Organisations like IDS have conducted extensive research, and political commitments, such as from Pakatan Harapan, have renewed our focus. We will continue to build on this foundation to ensure progress.”

Also speaking during the event were Rowindy Lawrence, Member of TEKUN Nasional Trust Board and politician who spoke on her Political Journey as well as Datuk Dr Ramzah Dambul, IDS Chief Executive Officer (CEO) who spoke on Women Empowerment.