KULIM: Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said students of higher education institutions who allow their bank accounts to be used by fraud syndicates face legal action.

He said based on the recently approved amendment of Section 424 of the Penal Code, action can be taken against the owner if they allow their accounts and payment instruments to be used by the syndicate.

“There are cases we are investigating involving university students who allowed their bank accounts, payment instruments and bank cards to be used by fraud syndicates,” he said.

Saifuddin Nasution said this to reporters after inaugurating the Sua Mesra Program with the Ministry of Home Affairs (KDN) at the Sidam Kanan Mukim Cooperative Hall, Guar Lobak Village, Padang Serai, near here today.

Commenting further, he said that based on complaints, there has been an increase in cases of online fraud and his party will expand publicity and awareness campaigns so that people do not become victims.

“I don’t need to have a denial syndrome about that. The trend is indeed increasing based on the complaints received. That’s why one of the steps taken is through the amendment of the Penal Code,” he said.

Saifuddin Nasution said the amendment to the Criminal Procedure Code allows a sergeant-ranked police officer who receives a complaint about online fraud crimes involving bank accounts to act to freeze them.

Meanwhile, he said the Sua Mesra Program with the KDN was the brainchild of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to make it easier and faster for people to get government services.

Among the activities of the program are the granting of a 50 percent discount for summons issued by the Royal Malaysian Police, Let’s Exchange al-Quran, the Launch of the Jalur Gemilang Flag Flying Campaign, the Merdeka Soul Adventure Release Gimmick, and the KDN Exhibition and its agencies.

Saifuddin Nasution also launched the Padang Serai Branch Anti-Drug Squad, which is the first to be established according to the parliamentary constituency in the whole country, as an effort to improve the management entity of the volunteer body.