SPAOH, Jan 5 – Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah has urged rural communities in Sarawak to be cautious of scams, particularly phone calls from strangers offering attractive investment opportunities or money-making schemes.
He highlighted that parcel scams and other fraudulent activities have now infiltrated rural areas, posing a significant threat to the community’s financial safety.
“We must always be cautious of calls from unknown numbers and verify who is contacting us. Do not fall for investment offers that promise huge profits in return,” Uggah said during a gathering at his longhouse, Rh Mendit Unsu in Penom.
He emphasized that scammers are constantly devising new ways to deceive people and steal their hard-earned money.
Uggah advised those who have fallen victim to such scams to promptly lodge a police report to initiate proper investigations and prevent further harm.
In addition, Uggah discouraged youths in rural areas from engaging in online gambling, describing it as a destructive activity with no beneficial outcomes.
“Gambling will not lead anyone anywhere productive. We hope the community, especially the youth, will recognize this,” he said.
Uggah officiated the launch of the National Information Dissemination Centre (NADI) for his Bukit Saban constituency during the event. The centre, worth RM400,000, is equipped with Starlink internet and aims to provide training in online commerce, e-Sports, skills development, and basic technology usage, such as reading QR codes.
This initiative, implemented by the Communication Ministry in collaboration with the Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), seeks to empower rural communities with contemporary income opportunities through internet technology.
The Bukit Saban centre is one of four NADI centres under the Betong Parliamentary constituency, with the others located in Betong, Debak, and Spaoh.
“We hope this centre will open doors for rural folks to explore modern income-generating options,” Uggah added.
During the event, Uggah and Betong MP Datuk Dr Richard Rapu presented approval letters for agricultural projects under the Betong Division Development Agency (BDDA) to over 30 recipients.
