Stampin MP Chong Chieng Jen has called on banks to adopt a fingerprint verification system for cash withdrawals as a way to combat the growing number of online fraud cases in Malaysia.

He said the system could help trace and flag individuals who withdraw money from multiple accounts linked to fraudulent activities, making it easier for banks and enforcement agencies to detect suspicious transactions early.

Fingerprint Verification To Track Fraudsters

Chong said many fraudsters rely on mule accounts to move and withdraw money after deceiving victims online. Most withdrawals, he noted, are made at ATM machines using cards belonging to different accounts.

“Therefore, I suggest that it be made mandatory for all banks to introduce a fingerprint system for cash withdrawals from ATM machines,” he said while debating the 2026 Supply (Budget) Bill in the Dewan Rakyat.

He added that anyone recorded as frequently withdrawing cash from multiple accounts could then be traced and flagged as a potential fraud suspect.

Online Fraud Still On The Rise

Chong said online fraud continues to pose a serious problem in Malaysia despite recent efforts to strengthen digital security.

As of September, Malaysians had collectively lost RM1.91 billion to online fraud, an increase of RM339 million from the RM1.58 billion recorded in 2024.

“It seems that the government’s creation of the National Scam Response Centre is not that effective in addressing this problem,” he said.

Call For Stronger Preventive Measures

Chong said that while enforcement agencies had improved coordination through the National Scam Response Centre, preventive steps at the banking level were equally important.

He said a fingerprint system could act as a deterrent to mule account activities and make it harder for fraudsters to move funds anonymously.

His proposal comes amid growing public concern about financial fraud, with many victims losing their life savings through fraudulent transfers, phishing links, and fake investment schemes.

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• TAGS:
• Cash Withdrawals
• Chong Chieng Jen
• Fingerprint System
• Fraud
• Mule Account
• Online Scams