Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim on amendment bills for tougher laws to tackle money mules, Singpass abusers
Not all money mules fit the stereotype of a criminal scammer. Some may be victims of circumstance - lured by the prospect of job opportunities, or scam victims themselves who are forced to act as money mules to get some of their monies back. Making this point in Parliament on Monday (May 8), MP Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim said in toughening the laws, a balance must be struck between protecting the public and meting out appropriate penalties commensurate with the crime and culpability. With the burden being placed on the accused, he asked how the public can, for example, verify the legitimacy of funds to ensure they are not dealing with criminal proceeds. He suggested setting up a public reporting office, perhaps through the anti-scam hotline or ScamShield app. He also suggested delaying implementation of the changes so that public education campaigns can be carried out. Finally, Mr Zhulkarnain called for more protection for the vulnerable, such as the elderly and adults with special needs. He proposed that their next-of-kin be notified of, or be made to approve, any changes or access to their Singpass accounts. Mr Zhulkarnain spoke during the debate on the Corruption, Drug Trafficking and Other Serious Crimes (Confiscation of Benefits) (Amendment) Bill and Computer Misuse (Amendment) Bill.
Not all money mules fit the stereotype of a criminal scammer. Some may be victims of circumstance - lured by the prospect of job opportunities, or scam victims themselves who are forced to act as money mules to get some of their monies back. Making this point in Parliament on Monday (May 8), MP Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim said in toughening the laws, a balance must be struck between protecting the public and meting out appropriate penalties commensurate with the crime and culpability. With the burden being placed on the accused, he asked how the public can, for example, verify the legitimacy of funds to ensure they are not dealing with criminal proceeds. He suggested setting up a public reporting office, perhaps through the anti-scam hotline or ScamShield app. He also suggested delaying implementation of the changes so that public education campaigns can be carried out. Finally, Mr Zhulkarnain called for more protection for the vulnerable, such as the elderly and adults with special needs. He proposed that their next-of-kin be notified of, or be made to approve, any changes or access to their Singpass accounts. Mr Zhulkarnain spoke during the debate on the Corruption, Drug Trafficking and Other Serious Crimes (Confiscation of Benefits) (Amendment) Bill and Computer Misuse (Amendment) Bill.
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