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The Sun
3 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
RM1.2 billion cyber-related losses recorded last year
PETALING JAYA: Malaysia recorded about RM1.2 billion in cyber-related losses last year, underscoring an urgent need for a more coordinated approach to national cybersecurity readiness, said National Tech Association of Malaysia secretary-general Anthony Raja Devadoss. He said the losses, which involved both commercial and consumer sectors, were driven by a surge in cyber scams and increasingly sophisticated attacks powered by artificial intelligence. He added that scam calls alone rose by 82%. Anthony said while Malaysia has made regulatory progress with the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) and the proposed National Cyber Security Bill, the country continues to struggle with uneven awareness and inconsistent implementation, particularly among SMEs. 'Framework-wise, Malaysia is moving in the right direction. But we tend to announce regulations first and expect compliance the next day. That's a major concern. 'We need scalable cybersecurity practices, not just firewalls. Small firms must have access to certified talent, and if they can't afford to hire directly, government-supported partnerships should be made available.' He suggested establishing a gov-tech alliance, a government-industry initiative focused on modernising public sector digital infrastructure, improving cybersecurity standards and ensuring that local councils and agencies adopt the latest technologies, in line with national security priorities. 'Cybersecurity is not exclusive. The impact cuts across every sector. Whether you're in finance, telco or healthcare, the consequences of a breach are widespread – reputational and financial.' He said cybersecurity must be treated as a cultural shift, not just a technical challenge. 'We're not just talking about software but also awareness, behaviour and trust. That starts at home, not just in the workplace.' He said Malaysians often underestimate personal responsibility in digital safety, and high levels of social trust have led to risky habits such as unsecured device use as well as sharing of sensitive information within households. 'The trust bank is so high here. We leave our devices unlocked, we give out our passwords,' he told theSun. 'So, when we talk about needing to enhance our tech, human errors and complacency need to be looked into as well.' BAC Education Group founder and managing director Raja Singham echoed similar concerns, particularly about the compliance burden placed on smaller businesses under current regulations. He said the 20,000 data-subject threshold for compliance under PDPA effectively pulls in almost every organisation, from supermarkets to educational institutions. 'Even a mid-sized college like BAC holds well over 20,000 data records. Everyone gets caught.' Raja said SMEs, which make up over 90% of Malaysian businesses, are often left scrambling to comply with new mandates without adequate time or support. 'We roll things out very quickly and then threaten penalties. However, most SMEs don't have the manpower, training or budget to respond immediately.' He added that the shortage of skilled professionals, such as privacy officers and cybersecurity leads, has left many firms unable to comply meaningfully. 'These are now mandatory roles. But for many businesses, they're seen as added expenses, and no one knows whom to hire or how to train them.' On recent leaks involving government websites, Raja attributed the problem to outdated infrastructure.
Straits Times
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
Former Malaysian minister Syed Saddiq says he's grateful to actress Bella Astillah
Mr Syed Saddiq and Bella sparked romance rumours earlier in 2025 after appearing together in a Hari Raya Aidilfitri campaign for a Malaysian fashion label. PHOTO: BELLAASTILLAH/INSTAGRAM PETALING JAYA – Former Malaysian minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman said he was grateful to singer-actress Bella Astillah for standing by him during a challenging time. Speaking during a live stream on TikTok on June 25 night, Mr Syed Saddiq said that over the course of their six-month acquaintance, Bella had been a constant presence in his life. 'Many people have asked me where Bella is. I think she's taking a break because earlier today, she was with me the whole time. 'I truly owe her a debt of gratitude. Even though we've known each other for only a few months, she's always been there – making me happy, working together. She's always been by my side,' the Muar MP said. Mr Syed Saddiq, 32, and Bella, 31, sparked romance rumours earlier in 2025 after appearing together in a Hari Raya Aidilfitri campaign for a Malaysian fashion label. He was also photographed accompanying Bella at Kuala Lumpur International Airport in March as she prepared to perform the umrah minor pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia. Mr Syed Saddiq said in the live stream that he could not always appear alongside the actress as she has responsibilities of her own. 'She has her children, Ayden and Ara, who need her love and attention as a mother,' he said. 'I feel guilty sometimes because she has her work and her family too.' He told his supporters that he will not forget Bella's kindness. 'She is an extraordinary woman. Whatever hardship I've faced is nothing compared with what she has gone through,' he added. Bella was previously married to Singaporean actor Aliff Aziz, 34, with whom she shares two children. The former couple first divorced in 2019 after Aliff was hit with cheating allegations, but they reconciled in 2020. They divorced for the second time in June 2024. On June 25 morning, Bella was seen arriving at the Court of Appeal in Putrajaya to show support as Mr Syed Saddiq awaited a ruling on his appeal. He was later acquitted of all four charges in an RM1.2 million (S$360,000) graft case involving funds from Armada Bersatu. The former youth and sports minister was previously chief of Armada, the youth wing of Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia. Bella described the verdict as a deserved winfor Mr Syed Saddiq. 'He's an honest, genuine and brave person who does everything with a sincere heart. Maybe this is a form of repayment for all the good he has done,' she told mStar, The Star's Malay-language news portal, on June 25. Bella added that she would not be commenting further on her connection with Mr Syed Saddiq. Mr Syed Saddiq told reporters on June 25 that he had no plans to move to the next phase with Bella. The MP said his current priority was to spend time with his family, adding: 'I just want to bring my mum, dad and family members out for a meal.' Asked if Bella would be joining in, Mr Syed Saddiq simply smiled and declined to comment. THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
New Straits Times
4 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Senheng eyes renewed growth as tech replacement cycle kicks off
KUALA LUMPUR: Senheng New Retail Bhd expects stronger demand for consumer electronics starting this year, driven by global replacement cycles and supported by its ongoing digital and omnichannel transformation. In a statement today, the group said it is enhancing its digital capabilities and improving both online and offline sales channels to expand market reach and capture greater market share. It said the strategy aligns with industry trends highlighted in NielsenIQ GfK's Consumer Tech Industry Trends 2025 report, which noted that global replacement cycles for key consumer tech products have already begun, particularly in Emerging Asia. Senheng said its transformation efforts are already yielding results, with online revenue rising 54 per cent and brand distribution revenue growing 50 per cent between 2023 and 2024. This momentum has continued into the first quarter of 2025. The group attributed part of this growth to stronger digital marketing efforts and engagement via its e-commerce platforms, the Senheng app, and social media channels including Instagram and TikTok. This has also helped expand its PlusOne loyalty membership, which now exceeds four million members. Executive chairman Lim Kim Heng said the group's 'Flywheel 1.0' plan is central to enhancing customer experience and market positioning. "We are refining our operations to deliver superior experiences at every touchpoint, from elevating our physical store network for immersive interactions to harnessing digital platforms and artificial intelligence for frictionless online engagement," he said. "Our comprehensive reach ensures we effectively connect with diverse consumers and are ready to capture the incoming consumer electronics replacement cycle, driving our next phase of growth." Senheng said its brand distribution business is also performing well, supported by an expanded portfolio of international household and personal care electronics. The group has also introduced more sustainable offerings, including home solar solutions launched with strategic partners. Looking ahead, Senheng expects demand to rebound following a period of subdued consumer activity in 2024, which it described as a market normalisation phase after the pandemic-era surge in tech purchases from 2020 to 2021. The company maintained a robust revenue of RM1.2 billion in 2024, and is confident of sustaining growth as a new demand cycle—typically seen every four to five years—takes hold. To support this, the 'Flywheel 1.0' blueprint includes 24 actionable initiatives across six strategic pillars focused on operational efficiency and innovation. Key initiatives include leveraging AI for precision marketing and inventory management, implementing new retail systems (NRS), establishing a Centre of Excellence, and upgrading digital platforms. The company is also optimising its omnichannel network by enhancing store productivity and executing targeted strategies and promotions to boost efficiency and sales across its retail footprint.
Straits Times
5 days ago
- Politics
- Straits Times
Tearful former Malaysian minister Syed Saddiq thankful after corruption charges quashed
Asked about his future plans, Mr Syed Saddiq (left) said he would take some time to spend with his family. PHOTO: THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK PUTRAJAYA - Mr Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman breathed a sigh of relief after five challenging years as his conviction and sentence concerning multiple corruption charges came to an end on June 25. The tearful Muar MP, accompanied by his parents and family members, performed prayers of gratitude after emerging from the Court of Appeal. He said that after enduring years of adversity, blackmail, and bribery, he felt a deep sense of gratitude and reaffirmed his commitment to serving the public and staying true to his principles. 'I don't regret anything and I am not afraid to go through it all again. In the end, it is worth it,' he said. Asked about his future plans, Mr Syed Saddiq said he would take some time to spend with his family. On whether he would rejoin the leadership of his youth-based party, the Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (Muda), Mr Syed Saddiq said it was up to the party to decide. Meanwhile, speaking on behalf of Mr Syed Saddiq's legal team, lawyer Hisyam Teh Poh Teik said they were grateful to the learned judges for the verdict and appreciated the court's consideration of their arguments. 'We canvassed two points: first, that there was no prima facie case, and second, that the High Court judge did not appreciate the advanced defence by YB (Syed Saddiq). The Court accepted and appreciated our submissions. 'On the first charge, the Court found no evidence of dishonest intention on the part of YB. The RM1 million (S$301,600) was channelled for party programmes, and not a single sen went into his pocket. 'As for the second charge, the Court accepted that the money belonged to YB, so there was no criminal misappropriation. The charges did not stand.' 'Alhamdulillah for the decision by the Court of Appeal — justice has been served. There were many appealable errors in terms of facts and law, and the Court went through the various errors present during the course of the proceedings and in the judgments,' he said. Datuk Hisyam also expressed appreciation to Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo and prominent Malaysian lawyer and human rights advocate Ambiga Sreenevasan, who were part of the legal team representing Mr Syed Saddiq at the High Court. The Court of Appeal has acquitted Mr Syed Saddiq in the RM1.2 million graft case involving funds from Armada Bersatu. A three-judge panel chaired by Justice Ahmad Zaidi Ibrahim unanimously allowed his appeal after finding that the trial judge had committed errors warranting appellate intervention. The other judges on the panel were Justices Azman Abdullah and Noorin Badaruddin. THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
The Star
5 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Tearful Syed Saddiq thankful after corruption charges quashed
PUTRAJAYA: Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman breathed a sigh of relief after five challenging years as his conviction and sentence concerning multiple corruption charges came to an end on Wednesday (June 25). The tearful Muar MP, accompanied by his parents and family members, performed prayers of gratitude after emerging from the Court of Appeal. He said that after enduring years of adversity, blackmail, and bribery, he felt a deep sense of gratitude and reaffirmed his commitment to serving the public and staying true to his principles. "I don't regret anything and I am not afraid to go through it all again. In the end, it is worth it," he said. Asked about his future plans, Syed Saddiq said he would take some time to spend with his family. On whether he would rejoin Muda's leadership, he said it was up to the party to decide. Meanwhile, speaking on behalf of Syed Saddiq's legal team, Datuk Hisyam Teh Poh Teik said they were grateful to the learned judges for the verdict and appreciated the court's consideration of their arguments. "We canvassed two points: first, that there was no prima facie case, and second, that the High Court judge did not appreciate the advanced defence by YB (Syed Saddiq). The Court accepted and appreciated our submissions. "On the first charge, the Court found no evidence of dishonest intention on the part of YB. The RM1 million was channelled for party programmes, and not a single sen went into his pocket. "As for the second charge, the Court accepted that the money belonged to YB, so there was no criminal misappropriation. The charges did not stand." "Alhamdulillah for the decision by the Court of Appeal — justice has been served. There were many appealable errors in terms of facts and law, and the Court went through the various errors present during the course of the proceedings and in the judgments," he said. He also expressed appreciation to Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo and Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan, who were part of the legal team representing Syed Saddiq at the High Court. The Court of Appeal has acquitted Syed Saddiq in the RM1.2 million graft case involving funds from Armada Bersatu. A three-judge panel chaired by Justice Ahmad Zaidi Ibrahim unanimously allowed his appeal after finding that the trial judge had committed errors warranting appellate intervention. The other judges on the panel were Justices Azman Abdullah and Noorin Badaruddin.
