PRESS RELEASE – For immediate publication THINK ONLINE SAFETY, THINK C.A.R.D. NCG Campaign Encourages Safe Online Payment and Purchase Practices Kuala Lumpur, 7 October 2014 – The National Cards Group (NCG) in collaboration with the Association of Banks in Malaysia (ABM) today launched the THINK ONLINE SAFETY, THINK C.A.R.D. campaign. The nationwide campaign aims at educating consumers and enhancing their confidence in the use of payment cards and non-cash payment systems, in line with the government's Economic Transformation Programme and Bank Negara Malaysia's vision to transform Malaysia into a cashless society. The two month campaign, will champion the message of THINK ONLINE SAFETY, THINK C. A. R. D., which outlines four simple steps consumers can use to safeguard their online transactions. The simple acronym C.A.R.D. prompts consumers to firstly Confirm the confidentiality of the data they are sharing – consumers are reminded not to store login details on public or shared computers, and change passwords regularly. Thereon, consumers are advised to Authenticate the website they are using by looking for secure-signs such as the MasterCard SecureCode and Verified by Visa logos. They should then Re-verify their transaction – all secured sites will prompt users for a One Time Password for all online transactions. Last but not least, consumers should Detect potential fraud by contacting banks if they receive any suspicious SMS messages. The event was officiated by Mr. Tan Nyat Chuan, Director of Payment Systems Policy, Bank Negara Malaysia and Datuk Abdul Farid bin Alias, Council Chairman of the Association of Banks in Malaysia (ABM). Speaking at the event, Mr. Tan said, “Banks and card issuers are making significant investments to ensure consumer safety in electronic payment transactions. Some examples of security enhancements that have been undertaken include: the migration to chip-based payment cards to address card counterfeiting; the introduction of a two-factor authentication to strengthen authorisation of online banking transactions; as well as the implementation of SMS alert to mitigate the risk of credit card fraud.” “As a regulatory body, Bank Negara Malaysia continues to work closely with the financial services industry to further improve infrastructure, and to ensure that payment services are easily accessible, convenient and, most importantly, secure,” he added. The public are invited to learn more about online security and the THINK ONLINE SAFETY, THINK C.A.R.D. campaign from the roving team at the following locations and dates:  Bangsar Village 5th – 7th October  One Utama 8th – 12th October  Publika 7th – 9th November  Paradigm Mall 14th – 16th November  Tropicana City Mall 21st – 23rd November  Sasana Kijang, Bank Negara Malaysia 27th November Page | 1 Perry Ong, Chairman of the National Cards Group said, “The campaign’s objective is to educate consumers on the four simple steps they can take to safeguard themselves while making online transactions. The easy-to-remember acronym C.A.R.D. is a guide that Malaysian consumers can use to empower themselves. With the help of the roving team, the public will be taken through the precautionary steps they can take to stay safe via a simple interactive simulation.” For more information, please visit the campaign website at www.abm.org.my/NCGthinkcard, or follow the campaign’s latest updates at www.facebook.com/NCGthinkcard or www.twitter.com/NCGthinkcard. -EndAbout the National Cards Group (NCG) NCG is a group of Malaysian credit card issuers, comprising both banks and non-banks: Aeon Credit Service (M) Berhad, Affin Bank Berhad, Alliance Bank Malaysia Berhad, Al Rajhi Banking & Investment Corporation (Malaysia) Berhad, AmBank (M) Berhad, Bank Islam Malaysia Berhad, Bank Kerjasama Rakyat Malaysia Bhd, Bank Muamalat Malaysia Berhad, Bank of China (Malaysia) Berhad, Bank Simpanan Nasional, CIMB Bank Berhad, Citibank Berhad, Diners Club (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, Hong Leong Bank Berhad, HSBC Bank Malaysia Berhad, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Malaysia) Berhad, Kuwait Finance House (Malaysia) Berhad, MAA Group Berhad, Malayan Banking Berhad, OCBC Bank (Malaysia) Berhad, Public Bank Berhad, RHB Bank Berhad, Standard Chartered Bank Malaysia Berhad, Synergy Cards Sdn Bhd and United Overseas Bank (Malaysia) Bhd. About the Association of Banks in Malaysia (ABM) The Association of Banks in Malaysia was formed in November 1973 with the primary objective of establishing and promoting a sound banking system in Malaysia in cooperation and consultation with Bank Negara Malaysia. Its members comprise of the 27 commercial banks that currently operate in Malaysia. ABM aims to facilitate, and create a conducive banking environment while promoting orderliness, and ethical banking practices. ABM also pursues wide-ranging issues to assist the industry in its efforts to remain competitive. Policies affecting banking infrastructure, clearing system, as well as areas on consumer education, risk management, and human resource development are part of the ABM platform. Member banks’ contributions to socio-economic planning and development of the country are some of the issues that form ABM’s agenda. The public can also call ABMConnect at 1-300-88-9980 for information on banking issues in the country. For more information, visit www.abm.org.my. Page | 2 ISSUED BY ON BEHALF OF : : CHIMERA BRAND RELATIONS SDN. BHD. NATIONAL CARDS GROUP For media inquiries, please contact: Chimera Brand Relations Sdn. Bhd. Lim Hwee Nee, Ms. Email: [email protected] Mobile: 012 – 412 0117 Chong Huey Meim, Ms. Email: [email protected] Mobile: 012 – 693 6794 Dickson Chow, Mr. Email: [email protected] Mobile: 010 – 897 6398 Page | 3