Media Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
7 July 2026
Public Islamic Bank Partners with Government Agencies to Empower Over 100 Youth through iTEKAD Employment Initiative
Public Islamic Bank Berhad (PIBB) has officially announced a strategic partnership with a coalition of key state religious councils, welfare foundations, and training provider to launch the iTEKAD Employment initiative. Operating under the umbrella of Bank Negara Malaysia’s (BNM) iTEKAD Employment programme, this collaborative effort is aimed at supporting more than 100 vulnerable youths in securing meaningful and sustainable employment opportunities.
To ensure the successful implementation of the programme, Public Islamic Bank Berhad has appointed KHTP Skills Centre, managed by Kulim Advanced Technologies Sdn. Bhd. (KTECHNO), as the primary training partner. Through KHTP Skills Centre’s specialised Skil Iltizam and Young Professionals programmes, participants will receive industry-focused upskilling and professional development training tailored to meet current workforce demands, particularly in Technical and Vocational Education and Training or TVET-related industries.
Strategically located within Kulim Hi-Tech Park, KHTP Skills Centre offers participants direct access to one of Malaysia's premier high-technology industrial ecosystems. Backed by strong partnerships with multinational corporations and leading industry players, the Centre delivers industry-driven TVET programmes that equip participants with in-demand technical skills while facilitating employment opportunities with its extensive industry network. With the industries in Kulim Hi-Tech Park projected to require more than 11,000 high-skilled workers by 2030, KHTP Skills Centre plays a pivotal role in developing future-ready talent and connecting graduates to sustainable careers in high-value industries.
This initiative brings together a network of strategic partners such as Zakat Pulau Pinang Majlis Agama Islam Negeri Pulau Pinang (ZPPMAINPP), Pusat Pungutan Zakat Majlis Agama Islam Wilayah Persekutuan (PPZ-MAIWP), Majlis Agama Islam dan Adat Istiadat Perlis (MAIPS), Majlis Agama Islam Melaka (MAIM), Yayasan Pelajaran MARA (YPM) and Yayasan Kebajikan Negara Malaysia (YKNM), dedicated to identifying suitable candidates and supporting their needs as they transition into the workforce environment.
iTEKAD Employment initiative specifically targets youth from vulnerable backgrounds, equipping them with both technical proficiencies and essential soft skills. By combining structural training with social finance support, the programme aims to bridge the gap between unemployment and evolving needs of modern industries.
Through this collaborative effort, Public Islamic Bank Berhad and its partners reinforce their commitment to driving socio-economic mobility, reducing financial disparity, and fostering inclusive growth across Malaysian communities.

Speech by Chief Executive Officer of Public Islamic Bank, Encik Syamsul Azuan bin Ahmad Fauzi

Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) signing by representatives of PIBB, KTECHNO, ZPP MAINPP, PPZ-MAIWP, MAIPs, YPM and YKNM

Group photo with senior management of PIBB, KTECHNO, ZPP MAINPP, PPZ-MAIWP, MAIPs, YPM and YKNM together with students of KHTP Skills Centre
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
15 June 2026
Two Forces, One Mission: Public Bank and Royal Malaysia Police Launch PB Scam Ranger 2.0 to Combat Rising Scam Threat
Public Bank marked a significant milestone in Malaysia’s national anti-scam agenda with the launch of PB Scam Ranger 2.0 at the InterContinental Hotel Kuala Lumpur on 15 June 2026. With the theme “Combat Scam: Two Forces, One Mission,” the programme signals a deepened and expanded public-private partnership between Public Bank and the Royal Malaysia Police (RMP) – two institutions united by a shared resolve to protect Malaysians from the growing threat of financial fraud.
The launch was officiated by YDH IG Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Hj. Mohd Khalid Bin Hj. Ismail, Inspector General of Police (IGP), Royal Malaysia Police and Tan Sri Dato’ Sri (Dr) Tay Ah Lek, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Public Bank. The ceremony underscored the determination of both institutions to go beyond conventional awareness campaigns – driving systemic change through coordinated enforcement, sustained community engagement and forward-looking consumer education.
“The increasingly complex landscape of online fraud and scam-related crimes necessitates a more holistic, agile and strategically coordinated response. In this regard, the implementation of the PB Scam Rangers Programme, forged through the strong collaboration between the Royal Malaysia Police and Public Bank Berhad, stands as a testament to the power of strategic partnerships. Guided by the principle of "Two Teams, One Mission", this initiative underscores that protecting the public from the menace of scams cannot rest solely on the shoulders of law enforcement. Instead, it calls for a whole-of-society approach, involving the banking industry, relevant stakeholders and the community at large in a concerted effort to strengthen resilience against financial crime.”
– YDH IG Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Hj. Mohd Khalid Bin Hj. Ismail, Inspector General of Police, Royal Malaysia Police
“Public Bank has always placed the interests and security of our customers at the heart of everything we do. With PB Scam Ranger 2.0, we are taking our commitment further, leveraging our partnership with the Royal Malaysia Police to build a more vigilant, better-informed community. Financial security is a cornerstone of national well-being and we will continue to invest in initiatives that make every Malaysian more resilient against fraud.”
– Tan Sri Dato’ Sri (Dr) Tay Ah Lek, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Public Bank
The urgency of this collaboration is reinforced by alarming data from the Royal Malaysia Police. Online financial crime in Malaysia has surged dramatically over recent years, with total reported cases nearly doubling from 35,368 in 2024 to 66,204 in 2025 – an increase of 87%. Financial losses followed suit, rising from RM1.57 billion in 2024 to RM2.97 billion in 2025. In the first four months of 2026 alone, 22,921 cases were reported, with losses already reaching RM679.96 million, placing the country on a trajectory that demands immediate and sustained intervention.
Fraudulent investments remain the single most damaging category, accounting for RM1.47 billion in losses in 2025 alone. Telecommunication scams represent the highest volume of cases, while e-financial fraud cases more than tripled, surging by 185% from 1,812 cases in 2024 to 5,159 cases in 2025. The data, sourced from the Royal Malaysia Police, paints a clear picture: scam syndicates are becoming more sophisticated, more targeted and more innovative in scam tactics.
Since its introduction in June 2024, PB Scam Ranger has evolved into Public Bank's flagship anti-scam platform, focusing on scam awareness, prevention, education, and collaboration. Through strategic engagements with customers, communities, educational institutions, regulators, and enforcement agencies such as Bank Negara Malaysia, Royal Malaysia Police and Lembaga Hasil Dalam Negeri Malaysia, the PB Scam Ranger has played an important role in strengthening scam literacy and promoting safer banking practices nationwide.
Across 2025 and 2026, the PB Scam Ranger conducted more than 90 roadshows and awareness programmes nationwide, reaching thousands of Malaysians through public events, university engagements, investment seminars, webinars and community outreach activities. These initiatives have provided members of the public with greater awareness of emerging scam tactics, preventive measures and reporting channels.
A key enhancement to the PB Scam Ranger is the establishment of a dedicated Scam Advisory Team to support branch personnel in handling suspicious and high-risk transactions. The team works closely with frontline officers. When customers visit branches to perform transactions that exhibit potential scam indicators, they provide timely guidance and intervention before funds are transferred.
Recognised as Public Bank’s Frontline Heroes against scams, our branch officers are well-trained to identify scam red flags, engage customers effectively and intervene when suspicious transactions are detected.
Since 2025, the Bank has successfully prevented more than 50 customers from falling victim to scams, safeguarding approximately RM 19.4 million in potential losses. Working hand in hand with Royal Malaysia Police, these intervention efforts have protected customers from significant financial losses, demonstrating the importance of collaboration between frontline banking personnel and law enforcement agencies in safeguarding the public.
In addition to awareness and intervention initiatives, Public Bank continues to strengthen its fraud risk management framework through proactive mule account detection. As at May 2026, approximately over 1.7 million Public Bank customers, or 5.1 million transactions totalling about RM2.24 billion were prevented from falling into fraudsters' mule accounts.
On top of that, since the introduction of the transaction cooling-off period, over 800 Public Bank customers' transactions valued at approximately RM 5.8 million have been protected from scam activities.
By combining the strengths of Public Bank and Royal Malaysia Police under the banner of "Two Forces, One Mission," the initiative reflects a shared commitment to prevention, intervention, and enforcement in the fight against financial crime.
The fight against scams is a shared responsibility, and we must continue to strengthen and cultivate the culture of anti-scam awareness and vigilance across our society. Together, by leveraging technology, enhancing cooperation, and empowering consumers, we can foster a safer, more secure banking environment for everyone and make Public Bank the safest and most trusted bank for our customers.

From left: YDH CP Dato’ Rusdi bin Mohd Isa, Director of Commercial Crime Investigation Department, Royal Malaysia Police, YDH IG Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Hj. Mohd Khalid Bin Hj. Ismail, Inspector General of Police, Royal Malaysia Police, Tan Sri Dato’ Sri (Dr) Tay Ah Lek, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Public Bank, and Mr Lai Wan, Chairman of Public Bank, during the official act of launch

Recipients of the Certificate of Appreciation to 20 Royal Malaysia Police officers who successfully combatted scam cases in collaboration with Public Bank
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
8 June 2026
Public Bank Marks Diamond Jubilee with First Wave of Winners as Customers Drive Home Proton e.MAS 7
Public Bank marked a milestone moment in its 60th Diamond Jubilee campaign today, presenting three Proton e.MAS 7 to the inaugural winners of its PB 60th Diamond Jubilee Celebration Campaign at a prize presentation ceremony at Menara Public Bank. The event was graced by the Non-Independent Non-Executive Director of Public Bank, Ms. Teh Li Shian Diona, and Tan Sri Dato’ Sri (Dr) Tay Ah Lek, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Public Bank, underscores the Bank's commitment to rewarding loyal customers as it commemorates six decades of banking excellence. Together, they presented three highly coveted Proton e.MAS 7 to the campaign’s first trio of lucky quarterly winners. The three lucky winners that were customers from Ampang, Jalan Ipoh and Sungai Nibong branches.
“This is more than a campaign, it is our heartfelt tribute to the millions of customers who have placed their trust in Public Bank for 60 years. We are thrilled to celebrate this Diamond Jubilee by giving back in a truly meaningful way, and today is just the beginning,” said Tan Sri Dato’ Sri (Dr) Tay Ah Lek.
Launched in conjunction with Public Bank's 60th anniversary, the PB 60th Diamond Jubilee Celebration Campaign runs until 31 December 2026 and offers customers unprecedented rewards across four quarters. Participants earn Diamond Entries through eligible products and services, which accumulate toward both Quarterly Prizes and a spectacular Bonanza Prize draw at the end of the campaign.
The excitement continues to grow with each quarter, as the number of Proton e.MAS 7 EVs on offer steadily increase, from six vehicles in Q2 to nine in Q3 and twelve in Q4. On top of the electric vehicles, every quarter also features 120 cash rewards of RM1,600 each, along with guaranteed rewards of up to RM6,000, ensuring that thousands of customers stand to benefit right through to year-end.
Customers who accumulate Diamond Entries throughout the campaign period will be in the running for a spectacular year-end Grand Prize pool headlined by three BMW i5 luxury electric sedans. Beyond the Grand Prize, 30 First Prize winners will each drive home a Proton e.MAS 7 EV, while cash rewards of RM26,000, RM16,000 and RM6,000 are up for grabs for Second, Third and Consolation Prize winners respectively, with a combined 190 cash prize winners in total.
The PB 60th Diamond Jubilee Celebration Campaign remains open to both existing and new Public Bank customers until 31 December 2026. Customers can continue to accumulate Diamond Entries and stand a chance to win in Q2, Q3, Q4 quarterly draws as well as the Grand Prize finale.
For more information on the campaign details and the full list of amazing prizes, customers may visit the official campaign website at www.pbebank.com/60years.

From left: Son of Ms Yip, first quarter winner, Tan Sri Dato’ Sri (Dr) Tay Ah Lek, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer of Public Bank, Ms Teh Li Shian Diona, Non-Independent Non-Executive Director of Public Bank, and Ms Malini, first quarter winner

Happy smiles celebrating the first quarter winners of Proton e.MAS 7
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