Money equivalent to RM5 could potentially reveal your location?
In the digital age, the threat of cyber fraud has become a significant concern for many Malaysians. According to recent reports, scam calls surged by more than 80% in a single year, leading to a staggering RM1.57 billion in losses in 2024.
The increase in scams has seen messaging apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Facebook become fertile hunting grounds, with 56% of scams now originating from these platforms. The information from the infamous website Caghi.com, which has reportedly been taken down, continues to circulate, posing a persistent risk.
The data sold on Caghi.com includes personal information such as names, IC numbers, phone registration details, addresses, business records, voter data, and even CVV codes on the back of credit cards. A single search on the site could reveal not only the home address but also the details of neighbours, raising concerns about the privacy and security of personal data.
The 2025 State of Scams in Malaysia report by Gogolook and the Global Anti-Scam Alliance found that 85% of adults had encountered a scam, and nearly three-quarters actually fell victim. The report also highlighted that millennials made up 78% of scammed victims, and even children were not spared, with one in five parents saying their child between 7 and 17 had been scammed at least once.
The Malaysian Government is under pressure to show that they can secure personal data effectively, especially with the upcoming MyDigital ID. However, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail has remained silent regarding the issue of personal data leaks, despite a reported leak of 17 million MyKad records shaking the nation at the end of last year.
The lack of transparency and action on the part of the government has fuelled outrage among citizens, who demand proof that the promises of digital transformation can coexist with real protection. Journalists from Sinar Daily and Facebook users like Pendakwah Teknologi have tested the website and confirmed that the information was real.
Despite efforts to shut down Caghi.com, it remains accessible through a VPN, raising questions about the effectiveness of these measures. For many Malaysians, the data leak problem is not just a concern for the future, but a reality that has already affected their lives, with each victim losing an average of RM4,844.
Citizens want assurances that their personal data is safe and that the government is taking active steps to combat cyber fraud. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, it is crucial that measures are put in place to protect the privacy and security of Malaysians' personal data.
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