Gobind: Malaysia must act now to plug cybersecurity gaps

New Straits Times

4 days ago

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia must urgently address gaps in policy, tools, talent, and cross-border enforcement to strengthen its cybersecurity resilience and manage varying levels of readiness across organisations and nations, Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo said.
He said the world is becoming increasingly interconnected, with daily life now deeply tied to digital platforms such as communication, shopping, and accessing public services.
He added that for digital transformation to truly flourish, trust is a fundamental element that cannot be overlooked.
"Digital trust is the unwavering confidence we place in our digital systems, technologies, and transactions," he said in his speech at the Asean 5G and OT Security Summit (5GOT) 2025 here today.
"We believe they are secure, private, and reliable. It is the invisible yet powerful force that underpins our digital interactions. However, many have taken our systems, technologies, and transactions for granted."
Gobind said society's growing reliance on conducting transactions online has encouraged bad actors to exploit this digital presence.
He highlighted an alarming surge in cyberattacks affecting all layers of society, from individuals to organisations, across sectors and sizes.
"We read and hear about Malaysians falling victim to online scams, fake investment schemes, and phishing attacks.
"According to CyberSecurity Malaysia, there were more than 6,000 reported cyber incidents in 2024, mainly involving fraud, intrusions, and malicious codes.
"Malaysia incurred over RM1.22 billion in financial losses due to cybercrime over the past year.
"But such incidents are not unique to Malaysia. The world faces this massive threat as well, resulting in trillions of dollars in losses annually," he said.
Gobind also said the consequences of cyberattacks go far beyond financial losses, as they damage reputations, compromise privacy, destroy property, eliminate opportunities, and in some cases, even endanger lives.
He added that attacks on operational technology, which powers automation in factories, manages patient care in hospitals, and runs critical infrastructure such as energy grids and water treatment facilities, are increasingly being targeted by sophisticated threat actors.
Nevertheless, Gobind said Malaysia has taken decisive steps to strengthen its cybersecurity landscape over the past years.
He highlighted that the Cyber Security Act 2024, which came into force on Aug 26 last year, empowers the National Cyber Security Agency to oversee compliance, coordinate across sectors, and protect the country's National Critical Information Infrastructures.
He also said a new Cybercrime Bill, set to be tabled in Parliament this October, aims to replace outdated legislation and equip authorities with the tools needed to combat modern cyber threats effectively.
Furthermore, Gobind said Malaysia is expanding its global footprint, noting that the Cabinet has approved accession to the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime.
"The country is also preparing to sign the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime in Hanoi this October.
"These actions reflect Malaysia's commitment to international norms and collaborative efforts in addressing cybercrime.
"As such, platforms such as 5GOT must be leveraged to accelerate progress through expert engagement, knowledge sharing, collaboration, and exposure to emerging technologies," he said.
Gobind also said the government aims to build a regional cyber ecosystem through public-private partnerships that foster innovation and talent development.
He added that the government hopes to raise awareness and a sense of urgency among key stakeholders in securing the country's digital future.