Yong Peng:Johor Johor police have initiated 9,897 investigations into commercial crimes in the first nine months of this year, with recorded losses amounting to RM212.64 million.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, this marks an increase of 3,036 cases compared to the 6,861 cases reported during the same period last year, although the financial losses decreased from RM252.57 million. Johor police chief, Datuk Ab Rahaman Arsad, noted that over 90 percent of these cases involved online scams.

"The increase in reported cases calls for more proactive measures. Fraud and scams continue to evolve alongside technological advances and an increasingly sophisticated digital landscape," he stated at the Johor Police contingent's monthly assembly.

Additionally, the state's overall crime index rose to 4,343 cases compared to 4,152 last year. Violent crimes increased to 1,123 cases from 981, and property crimes rose slightly to 3,220 from 3,171.

In a separate matter, Ab Rahaman mentioned that police are awaiting instructions from the Johor State Prosecutor's Office regarding charges against a suspect in the murder of Form Four student Irene Sofiya Mohd Khairool Faisal. The investigation papers were submitted on October 9. The suspect, a juvenile, requires careful consideration by the prosecution director. Irene Sofiya was found unconscious in a school hall in Yong Peng, Batu Pahat, on October 3, and was later pronounced dead. A 16-year-old boy was initially remanded for six days from October 4, with the remand extended for another six days.