Malaysia is taking a significant leap forward in modernizing its law enforcement capabilities by integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into commercial crime investigations.

With financial crimes such as cyber fraud and money laundering on the rise, the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) is turning to AI to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of its investigations.

But Malaysian authorities understand that for this initiative to work, police officers would need to understand how AI tools function, possess the ability to interpret AI generated insights. Thus, even though the whole operation uses AI, but it would still require a huge amount of human oversight.

AI speeding up the progress of crime investigations

AI tools have the capability to analyze vast amounts of data at speeds unimaginable for human investigators. From tracking suspicious financial transactions to identifying patterns in cyber fraud, these tools can drastically reduce investigation times.

For instance, AI systems like Malaysia’s own PutraGPT have already demonstrated their ability to detect fake websites, phishing attempts, and process large volumes of digital evidence.

Dr. Azree Shahrel Ahmad Nazri, president of the Artificial Intelligence Society Malaysia, highlights that AI could be a game-changer for tackling crimes involving millions of ringgit.

He suggests integrating AI with Bank Negara’s Financial Intelligence System to track mule accounts and suspicious transactions more efficiently.

Despite its promise, AI is only as effective as the people using it. Dr. Azree has emphasized that police officers must undergo comprehensive training to understand how AI tools work and interpret their insights accurately. Without this, there’s a risk of misinterpretation or over-reliance on technology, leading to wrongful accusations or overlooked evidence.

He has proposed collaborations with Malaysian universities and AI experts to develop tailored training modules for officers in the Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) and cybercrime units. This approach ensures that law enforcement remains equipped with both technical knowledge and ethical guidelines.

A Multi-Pronged Strategy

To maximize the benefits of AI in policing, Dr. Azree suggests focusing on commercial crimes such as cyber fraud and money laundering as a starting point. These cases often involve complex financial trails and substantial sums of money, making them ideal for AI-powered solutions.

He also advocates for partnerships with local fintech companies, cybersecurity firms, and AI research institutions to develop advanced crime prevention systems tailored to Malaysia’s unique needs.

Additionally, Dr. Azree 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 aids in preventing crimes but also raises public awareness about ongoing threats in the digital space.

While the potential is immense, concerns remain about the ethical use of AI in law enforcement. Issues such as data privacy, civil liberties, and over-reliance on technology need to be addressed.

Dr. Azree underscores the importance of maintaining human oversight in investigations to ensure fairness and accountability. He also noted that without proper safeguards, there is a risk of misusing these powerful tools in ways that could erode public trust in law enforcement agencies.

The Road Ahead

Malaysia’s adoption of AI in crime investigations marks a significant step forward in modernizing its law enforcement capabilities. With proper training, strategic implementation, and ethical safeguards, AI could not only speed up investigations but also enhance public trust in digital systems.

As Malaysia leads this charge in Southeast Asia, it sets an example for how technology can be leveraged responsibly to combat evolving crime tactics while ensuring justice remains at the forefront.