The Bahraini government has rejected a proposal to introduce a 48-hour delay on overseas money transfers, while reaffirming its commitment to strengthening measures against cyber fraud.
In a written response to Parliament, the government said it supports broader efforts to protect citizens and residents from online scams through stronger awareness campaigns, improved coordination between government entities, banks and telecom operators, and enhanced digital security measures.
Authorities highlighted public awareness as a key component in combating cyber fraud, which they noted has become increasingly sophisticated and difficult to detect.
The government said awareness campaigns have already been launched through websites, social media, television, radio and other official platforms in multiple languages to reach diverse segments of society. These initiatives aim to educate the public about emerging scam techniques, prevention strategies and reporting mechanisms.
Officials from the General Directorate of Anti-Corruption and Economic and Electronic Security have also participated in media programmes to promote what the government described as a culture of digital caution.
In addition, authorities are working with academic institutions and research centres to develop data-driven awareness programmes using advanced analytics and digital tools to better target vulnerable groups. Lectures and workshops have also been organised to help the public identify and avoid cyber fraud.
The government also emphasised stronger institutional coordination. The Ministry of Interior has held meetings with the Consumer Protection Directorate, commercial banks, financial audit firms and exchange companies to exchange expertise and strengthen joint action against cybercrime.
A dedicated committee comprising the Ministry of Interior, the Central Bank of Bahrain and the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority has also been established to coordinate awareness programmes, technical safeguards and regulatory measures.
Within the telecom sector, operators have been required to verify customer identities before activating SIM cards through biometric checks such as fingerprints or facial recognition, aimed at preventing identity fraud and impersonation.
Authorities also pointed to the deployment of a unified system designed to combat fraudulent calls targeting landlines, along with technical solutions implemented by telecom operators to reduce spoofed international calls to mobile networks.
