Juniper
Public Bank marked a significant milestone in Malaysia’s national anti-scam agenda with the launch of PB Scam Ranger 2.0 at the InterContinental Hotel Kuala Lumpur on 15 June 2026. With the theme “Combat Scam: Two Forces, One Mission,” the programme signals a deepened and expanded public-private partnership between Public Bank and the Royal Malaysia Police (RMP) – two institutions united by a shared resolve to protect Malaysians from the growing threat of financial fraud.
The launch was officiated by YDH IG Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Hj. Mohd Khalid Bin Hj. Ismail, Inspector General of Police (IGP), Royal Malaysia Police and Tan Sri Dato’ Sri (Dr) Tay Ah Lek, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Public Bank. The ceremony underscored the determination of both institutions to go beyond conventional awareness campaigns – driving systemic change through coordinated enforcement, sustained community engagement and forward-looking consumer education.
“The increasingly complex landscape of online fraud and scam-related crimes necessitates a more holistic, agile and strategically coordinated response. In this regard, the implementation of the PB Scam Rangers Programme, forged through the strong collaboration between the Royal Malaysia Police and Public Bank Berhad, stands as a testament to the power of strategic partnerships. Guided by the principle of “Two Teams, One Mission”, this initiative underscores that protecting the public from the menace of scams cannot rest solely on the shoulders of law enforcement. Instead, it calls for a whole-of-society approach, involving the banking industry, relevant stakeholders and the community at large in a concerted effort to strengthen resilience against financial crime.”
– YDH IG Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Hj. Mohd Khalid Bin Hj. Ismail, Inspector General of Police, Royal Malaysia Police
“Public Bank has always placed the interests and security of our customers at the heart of everything we do. With PB Scam Ranger 2.0, we are taking our commitment further, leveraging our partnership with the Royal Malaysia Police to build a more vigilant, better-informed community. Financial security is a cornerstone of national well-being and we will continue to invest in initiatives that make every Malaysian more resilient against fraud.”
– Tan Sri Dato’ Sri (Dr) Tay Ah Lek, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Public Bank
The urgency of this collaboration is reinforced by alarming data from the Royal Malaysia Police. Online financial crime in Malaysia has surged dramatically over recent years, with total reported cases nearly doubling from 35,368 in 2024 to 66,204 in 2025 – an increase of 87%. Financial losses followed suit, rising from RM1.57 billion in 2024 to RM2.97 billion in 2025. In the first four months of 2026 alone, 22,921 cases were reported, with losses already reaching RM679.96 million, placing the country on a trajectory that demands immediate and sustained intervention.
Fraudulent investments remain the single most damaging category, accounting for RM1.47 billion in losses in 2025 alone. Telecommunication scams represent the highest volume of cases, while e-financial fraud cases more than tripled, surging by 185% from 1,812 cases in 2024 to 5,159 cases in 2025. The data, sourced from the Royal Malaysia Police, paints a clear picture: scam syndicates are becoming more sophisticated, more targeted and more innovative in scam tactics.
Since its introduction in June 2024, PB Scam Ranger has evolved into Public Bank’s flagship anti-scam platform, focusing on scam awareness, prevention, education, and collaboration. Through strategic engagements with customers, communities, educational institutions, regulators, and enforcement agencies such as Bank Negara Malaysia, Royal Malaysia Police and Lembaga Hasil Dalam Negeri Malaysia, the PB Scam Ranger has played an important role in strengthening scam literacy and promoting safer banking practices nationwide.
Across 2025 and 2026, the PB Scam Ranger conducted more than 90 roadshows and awareness programmes nationwide, reaching thousands of Malaysians through public events, university engagements, investment seminars, webinars and community outreach activities. These initiatives have provided members of the public with greater awareness of emerging scam tactics, preventive measures and reporting channels.
A key enhancement to the PB Scam Ranger is the establishment of a dedicated Scam Advisory Team to support branch personnel in handling suspicious and high-risk transactions. The team works closely with frontline officers. When customers visit branches to perform transactions that exhibit potential scam indicators, they provide timely guidance and intervention before funds are transferred.
Recognised as Public Bank’s Frontline Heroes against scams, our branch officers are well-trained to identify scam red flags, engage customers effectively and intervene when suspicious transactions are detected.
Since 2025, the Bank has successfully prevented more than 50 customers from falling victim to scams, safeguarding approximately RM 19.4 million in potential losses. Working hand in hand with Royal Malaysia Police, these intervention efforts have protected customers from significant financial losses, demonstrating the importance of collaboration between frontline banking personnel and law enforcement agencies in safeguarding the public.
In addition to awareness and intervention initiatives, Public Bank continues to strengthen its fraud risk management framework through proactive mule account detection. As at May 2026, approximately over 1.7 million Public Bank customers, or 5.1 million transactions totalling about RM2.24 billion were prevented from falling into fraudsters’ mule accounts.
On top of that, since the introduction of the transaction cooling-off period, over 800 Public Bank customers’ transactions valued at approximately RM 5.8 million have been protected from scam activities.
By combining the strengths of Public Bank and Royal Malaysia Police under the banner of “Two Forces, One Mission,” the initiative reflects a shared commitment to prevention, intervention, and enforcement in the fight against financial crime.
The fight against scams is a shared responsibility, and we must continue to strengthen and cultivate the culture of anti-scam awareness and vigilance across our society. Together, by leveraging technology, enhancing cooperation, and empowering consumers, we can foster a safer, more secure banking environment for everyone and make Public Bank the safest and most trusted bank for our customers.
