Malaysia is stepping into the future of law enforcement by integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into the fight against commercial crime, a move that promises to revolutionise investigations into fraud, cybercrime, and money laundering. The initiative, spearheaded by the Bukit Aman Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID), aims to optimise police resources and enhance efficiency in tackling cases that often involve millions of ringgit. However, as the technology takes centre stage, experts are sounding the alarm on the need for comprehensive training to prevent missteps that could undermine justice.
The Promise of AI in Policing
Earlier this month, Bukit Aman announced plans to deploy AI tools to assist investigating officers in managing complex cases. The technology is expected to streamline processes, allowing police to track suspicious transactions, identify mule accounts—often used by scammers to launder money—and detect patterns in financial data with unprecedented speed. By integrating AI with systems like Bank Negara Malaysia’s Financial Intelligence System, law enforcement hopes to trace illicit money trails that would otherwise take weeks or months to unravel manually. 
Dr Azree Shahrel Ahmad Nazri, president of the Artificial Intelligence Society Malaysia and head of laboratory at the Institute of Mathematical Research at Universiti Putra Malaysia, sees immense potential in this approach. “AI can track money trails across multiple accounts, something that would take human investigators weeks or months to complete” he said in a recent interview with The Star. He also highlighted AI’s capabilities beyond financial tracking, noting that natural language processing tools could analyse scammer communications on platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram, where fraudulent investment schemes often proliferate.
Moreover, AI-driven tools could aid in identifying fake websites, detecting phishing attempts, and processing vast amounts of digital evidence in cybercrime investigations. Dr Azree Shahrel pointed to PutraGPT, a system developed by his university’s Institute of Mathematical Research and Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology, as a prime example. “By automating these processes, PutraGPT can improve overall cybersecurity, offering a faster and more accurate response to evolving financial threats” he explained, citing its success in detecting fake e-commerce websites.
Calls for Training and Human Oversight
While the potential benefits are clear, the adoption of AI in policing comes with significant caveats. Dr Azree Shahrel has urged authorities to prioritise thorough training for officers to ensure they understand how AI tools function and can interpret their outputs correctly. “AI is only as effective as the people using it” he warned. “Without proper training, there is a risk of misinterpretation or over-reliance on AI, which could lead to wrongful accusations or overlooked evidence.”
This concern is not unfounded. AI systems, while powerful, are not infallible. They rely on data inputs and algorithms that can sometimes produce biased or incomplete results if not properly managed. Without human oversight, there is a danger that officers might place undue trust in AI-generated insights, potentially compromising the integrity of investigations. To address this, Dr Azree Shahrel suggested that Bukit Aman collaborate with Malaysian universities and AI experts to develop tailored training modules for CCID officers and cybercrime units.
The emphasis on training also reflects broader anxieties about the ethical implications of AI in law enforcement. Ensuring that technology serves as a tool rather than a decision-maker is critical to maintaining public trust in the justice system. As Malaysia moves forward with this initiative, striking the right balance between innovation and accountability will be key.
A Targeted Approach to Implementation
Recognising the complexity of integrating AI into policing, Dr Azree Shahrel advocated for a phased rollout, starting with commercial crimes, cyberfraud, and money laundering investigations. “The CCID is the best starting point as it deals with fraud cases involving millions of ringgit” he noted. This targeted approach would allow authorities to refine their use of AI in high-stakes cases before expanding to other areas of law enforcement.
Beyond investigations, AI could also play a proactive role in crime prevention. Dr Azree Shahrel proposed integrating AI-powered chatbots and automated scam alerts into banking systems to warn users about suspicious transactions in real time. “This proactive approach not only helps in crime prevention but also educates the public about ongoing threats” he said. Such measures could empower individuals to protect themselves from scams, reducing the burden on law enforcement to respond after the fact.
Collaboration is another cornerstone of his vision. By partnering with local fintech companies, cybersecurity firms, and AI research institutions, Malaysia could develop cutting-edge crime prevention systems tailored to the evolving tactics of criminals. “This will allow Malaysia to stay ahead of evolving crime tactics while ensuring law enforcement agencies are equipped with the latest technology” Dr Azree Shahrel added.
Broader Implications for Malaysia’s Economy and Security
The push to incorporate AI into policing comes at a time when Malaysia is grappling with a surge in commercial and cybercrimes, often driven by sophisticated international syndicates. Financial fraud and money laundering not only drain the economy but also erode public confidence in institutions. The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and other agencies have repeatedly highlighted the scale of the problem, with losses from scams and fraud schemes running into the billions of ringgit annually.
AI’s ability to detect and prevent such crimes could have far-reaching economic benefits, safeguarding businesses and individuals alike. For instance, Malaysian banks already use AI-driven fraud detection systems to flag suspicious transactions linked to mule accounts, a common tool for scammers. Expanding these capabilities to law enforcement could create a more robust defence against financial crime, potentially positioning Malaysia as a regional leader in cybersecurity.
However, the success of this initiative will depend on more than just technology. Public awareness and education will be critical to ensuring that citizens are not only protected by AI systems but also understand the risks they face in an increasingly digital world. If implemented effectively, AI could serve as a force multiplier for law enforcement, freeing up resources to focus on prevention rather than reaction.
Regional and Global Context
Malaysia’s adoption of AI in policing places it among a growing number of nations exploring technology-driven solutions to crime. Countries like Singapore and South Korea have already made significant strides in using AI for surveillance, fraud detection, and predictive policing. Singapore, for instance, has integrated AI into its Smart Nation initiative, using data analytics to enhance public safety and security.
Yet, these advancements have not been without controversy. Critics in various countries have raised concerns about privacy, data security, and the potential for AI to perpetuate biases in policing. Malaysia will need to navigate these challenges carefully, ensuring that its use of AI complies with legal and ethical standards. This includes adhering to data protection laws like the Personal Data Protection Act 2010, which governs how personal information is collected and used.
Moreover, as cybercrime often transcends borders, regional cooperation will be essential. Malaysia could benefit from sharing expertise and resources with ASEAN neighbours to combat transnational crime syndicates that exploit digital platforms. Collaborative efforts, such as joint training programmes or data-sharing agreements, could amplify the impact of AI in the region.
Looking Ahead: Balancing Innovation and Responsibility
As Malaysia embarks on this ambitious journey to integrate AI into law enforcement, the road ahead is fraught with both opportunity and risk. The technology holds the promise of transforming how commercial crimes are investigated and prevented, potentially saving billions of ringgit and protecting countless individuals from fraud. Yet, without proper safeguards—rigorous training, human oversight, and ethical guidelines—the pitfalls could be severe, ranging from miscarriages of justice to eroded public trust.
For now, the focus remains on building a foundation of expertise within the police force and fostering partnerships with academia and industry. If these efforts bear fruit, Malaysia could set a precedent for responsible AI adoption in policing, not just within ASEAN but globally. As Dr Azree Shahrel and others continue to advocate for caution alongside innovation, the question looms: can Malaysia harness the power of AI without losing sight of the human element at the heart of justice?
