(Miri, 26th) Miri Member of Parliament YB Chiew Choon Man stated that The recent cyberattack on Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB), in which hackers demanded a ransom of USD 10 million, is not just a technical issue—it is a stark reminder of the urgent and growing threat cybercrime poses to our national security, public safety, and economic stability.
I commend the government for standing firm and refusing to give in to the ransom demands. However, we must not see this incident in isolation. It must be a wake-up call. The digital age offers vast opportunities, but without robust cybersecurity measures, we are exposing ourselves to devastating risks. Cybersecurity is no longer optional—it is the foundation on which all digital advancements, including AI, smart systems, and digital governance, must be built.
As Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim rightly emphasized, there is a pressing need to strengthen our national systems. His forward-looking vision, including the exploration of technologies like blockchain to improve transparency and data integrity, is a step in the right direction.
Our current cybersecurity policies, while a starting point, need to be elevated and streamlined. We must work together to enhance our legislative framework, improve enforcement capabilities, and promote stronger coordination among agencies. We must be proactive, not reactive.
I call on the government by way of legislation outlining the responsibilities, standards, and penalties for breaches across public and private sectors. Also as rightly pointed out by the Prime Minister, we need to increase investment in cybersecurity infrastructure and human capital, including specialized training and recruitment of cyber defense experts. We would also need to enhance international cooperation to track, investigate, and prosecute transnational cybercriminal networks.
Let this be the turning point where Malaysia not only defends against threats but becomes a regional leader in cybersecurity innovation and resilience. If we fail to act decisively now, we risk becoming casualties of the very digital progress we aim to lead.
The public's trust in digital services, the security of our national assets, and the prosperity of our future depend on how seriously we respond to this threat. The time for action is now.
I commend the government for standing firm and refusing to give in to the ransom demands. However, we must not see this incident in isolation. It must be a wake-up call. The digital age offers vast opportunities, but without robust cybersecurity measures, we are exposing ourselves to devastating risks. Cybersecurity is no longer optional—it is the foundation on which all digital advancements, including AI, smart systems, and digital governance, must be built.
As Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim rightly emphasized, there is a pressing need to strengthen our national systems. His forward-looking vision, including the exploration of technologies like blockchain to improve transparency and data integrity, is a step in the right direction.
Our current cybersecurity policies, while a starting point, need to be elevated and streamlined. We must work together to enhance our legislative framework, improve enforcement capabilities, and promote stronger coordination among agencies. We must be proactive, not reactive.
I call on the government by way of legislation outlining the responsibilities, standards, and penalties for breaches across public and private sectors. Also as rightly pointed out by the Prime Minister, we need to increase investment in cybersecurity infrastructure and human capital, including specialized training and recruitment of cyber defense experts. We would also need to enhance international cooperation to track, investigate, and prosecute transnational cybercriminal networks.
Let this be the turning point where Malaysia not only defends against threats but becomes a regional leader in cybersecurity innovation and resilience. If we fail to act decisively now, we risk becoming casualties of the very digital progress we aim to lead.
The public's trust in digital services, the security of our national assets, and the prosperity of our future depend on how seriously we respond to this threat. The time for action is now.