Arya News - Among the 811 Malaysians, more than 600 of them were involved as money mules working for scam syndicates, he said.
PENANG – The number of Malaysians imprisoned in Taiwan has surged from 33 in 2023 to 811 this year, according to Bong Yik Jui, president of the Malaysian Friendship and Trade Centre (MFTC).
Among the 811 Malaysians, more than 600 of them were involved as money mules working for scam syndicates, he said.
Speaking at the 50th anniversary dinner of Penang Alumni Association of Taiwan Universities’ on Saturday night, Bong noted that reports of Malaysians being arrested almost daily in Taiwan for acting as money mules highlight the growing severity of the issue.
“This does not only impact Taiwanese society but also tarnishes the image of Malaysians,” he said.
Bong urged Malaysian students studying in Taiwan not to fall into the traps of criminal syndicates out of greed.
“Malaysians generally hold a positive image in Taiwan, and we hope everyone will work together to maintain it so that it is not tarnished by the criminal acts of a few individuals,” he added.
Additionally, Bong raised concerns regarding issues faced by some Malaysian students pursuing studies in Taiwan. These include disputes over agency service fees, irregular university application procedures and unfulfilled promises—some of which stem from improper conduct by education agents.
He urged parents and students to carefully select reliable agents and accredited institutions to avoid financial losses caused by a lack of clear information.