As Malaysia confronts an increasingly complex cyber landscape, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that policy decisions aimed at strengthening the country’s cyber security ecosystem are to be discussed and finalized in the forthcoming Cabinet meeting on July 19.
The announcement, made at the Cyber Defence & Security Exhibition and Conference (CYDES) 2023 on Monday (July 10), underscores the government’s firm commitment to addressing cyber security challenges head-on. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof inaugurated the event on behalf of Anwar, delivering the Prime Minister’s speech.
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“We are demonstrating our seriousness in dealing with cyber security issues,” Anwar affirmed. “The unity government will not compromise our cyber space’s security, nor will it tolerate delays. What we lack in time, we will make up with hard work.”
This strategic move comes on the heels of the first National Cyber Security Committee meeting chaired by Anwar last month, where key decisions aimed at fortifying Malaysia’s cyber security were discussed. The meeting saw unanimous endorsement of the National Cyber Security Agency’s (Nacsa) role as the central cyber security authority, reporting directly to the Prime Minister.
This position allows Nacsa to consolidate measures aimed at enhancing cyber security under one umbrella. This central coordination will enable the creation of cohesive and comprehensive strategies to counter cyber threats, streamlining efforts, and maximising collective effectiveness.
“The meeting also agreed that the immediate drafting of a Cyber Security Bill was necessary to ensure a robust legal framework with good governance to effectively address evolving cyber threats,” Anwar noted. The Cyber Security Bill will equip Nacsa with clear legal authority to regulate and enforce laws pertaining to cyber security, thus enhancing the effectiveness of their functions.
To avoid duplication and confusion, CyberSecurity Malaysia, a company playing an important role in strengthening Malaysia’s cyber security ecosystem, will operate under Nacsa.
Anwar emphasised that the government must lead by example in creating a secure and resilient cyber ecosystem, achievable only through good governance and effective strategies with measurable outcomes. He added, “The government sector must strengthen its ability to manage cyber security challenges, working together with all relevant stakeholders.”
Anwar expressed hope that CYDES 2023, organised by the National Security Council, Nacsa, and Alpine Integrated Solution Sdn Bhd, would serve as a crucial platform for capacity and capability building in cyber security. The event is held from July 10-13 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), with the theme .
This news is based on information from The Star.
