Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation

Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) wishes to alert local and international buyers to stay vigilant amidst the increasing number of fraudulent attempts allegedly originating from Malaysia.

The purpose of this document is to provide a guideline in assisting companies to avoid commercial fraud attempts in Malaysia.

A. PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES

1. Payment Requests

• The Royal Malaysia Police through its Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) provide eservices for verification should report has been lodged against any bank account number, telephone number and identification card via: https://semakmule.rmp.gov.my/
• Payments for products/services must be handled carefully, especially if communications were conducted using only email or text messages. Please ensure your communication with any company’s representative is using their official email address of the company. Fraudulent companies often use Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail and other free email address in their correspondence, instead of official email address
• To ensure all payments are using the official company’s bank account and avoid personal bank account number

2. Registration with The Companies Commission of Malaysia

• Companies operating in Malaysia are required to registered with the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM). SSM also provides e-services to verify the background of Malaysian companies via SSM e-info platform
• Once registered in the e-info, the basic online account will provide information on company name and registration number without any charges. However, fee will be charged for additional information requested.
• A search in SSM e-info could assist in identifying whether the information provided by the company (e.g. company name and registration number) are consistent with the register: https://www.ssm-einfo.my

3. Telephone Numbers

• Communication via mobile phone must be handled with caution especially if there are no further supporting information or documentation available. As stated earlier, a search in the website of Royal Malaysia Police, Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) may assist if there are any reports related to any suspicious mobile number: https://semakmule.rmp.gov.my/

4. Company Address

• To verify the address provided, a simple internet search (e.g. google maps) may assist in checking whether the address provided is true.
• However, a positive result does not determine the reliability of the company as other factors (e.g. registration with SSM) need to be put into consideration as well. Please be cautious if the address shares location with a hotel, shopping centre, public buildings or residential area.

5. Membership of Industry Associations

• A reliable company usually hold a membership in relevant industry association in Malaysia even though it is not compulsory. The key industry associations are as follows:

6. Background Check

• CTOS is Malaysia’s lead Credit Reporting Agency (CRA) and regulated by the Registrar Office of Credit Reporting Agencies, Ministry of Finance. CTOS information are widely used by Malaysia’s banking and financial institutions, insurance and telecommunication companies, large corporations, SMEs, legal firms and statutory bodies.
• Fees will be charged for individual or companies’ portfolio of credit risk. Thorough background check could be done via: https://ctosbasis.com.my/creditinfo/

B. Lodging Complaints Against a Malaysian Company

Cases of commercial fraud in Malaysia is handled by The Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) of the Royal Malaysia Police.

1. Royal Malaysia Police

• Commercial Crime Investigation Department, Royal Malaysia Police, Aras 33, Menara 238, Jalan Tun Razak, 50400 Kuala Lumpur, Tel: 03-26101222 Fax: 03-26101000 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

2. Asian International Arbitration Centre (AIAC-MALAYSIA)

• AIAC excels in the provision of world-class institutional support as a neutral and independent venue for parties and their respective arbitral tribunals to smoothly conduct domestic and international arbitrations, and other alternative dispute resolution (ADR) proceedings. Enquires for arbitration can be forwarded to:
• Asian International Arbitration Centre (AIAC-Malaysia)Asian International Arbitration Centre (AIAC-Malaysia)Bangunan Sulaiman Jalan Sultan Hishamuddin 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Tel: 603 2271 1000 Fax: 603 2271 1010 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Website: www.aiac.world

3. The Malaysian Bar Council

• The Malaysian Bar is a professional body which regulates the profession of lawyers in peninsular Malaysia. The objective of the Malaysian Bar Council is to uphold the rule of law and the cause of justice, and protect the interest of the legal profession as well as that of the public. Enquires for legal assistance could be made via:
• Malaysian Bar Council No. 13, 15 & 17 Leboh Pasar Besar 50050 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Tel: +603-20502050 Fax: +603-20261313 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Website: https://www.malaysianbar.org.my/public

4. Malaysia Computer Emergency Response Team (Mycert)

• The Ministry of Communications and Multimedia Malaysia (KKMM) through its agency, CyberSecurity Malaysia provides a broad range of cybersecurity innovation-led services, programmes, and initiatives to reduce the vulnerability of digital systems, and at the same time strengthen Malaysia’s self-reliance in cyberspace.
• The Malaysia Computer Emergency Response Team (MyCERT) services aid on computer security related matters such as cyber harassment, malware, intrusion, hack attempts and other information security breaches. Incident report could be made online via https://www.mycert.org.my/portal/online-form?id=7a911418-9e84-4e48-84d3-aa8a4fe55f16