FROM A consumer rights perspective, how can authorities ensure that ordinary Malaysians, especially those with lower digital literacy, are empowered to recognise and avoid online fraud, rather than just relying on enforcement agencies?
Consumer Choice Centre’s Country Associate for Malaysia, Tarmizi Anuwar, says while the drafting of a new Cybercrime Bill with RM32 mil allocated to fight scams is laudable, scams evolve faster than investigative processes.
He says effective cybercrime reform requires a four-pillar approach – empowerment, transparency, proportionate regulation and fast redress
“Consumer protection is strongest when citizens are informed, platforms are accountable, innovation remains vibrant and recovery mechanisms are credible.
“Enforcement alone is not enough. The most sustainable protection is consumer empowerment. Digital literacy should be embedded in schools, workplaces and community programmes, with clear guidance on phishing, impersonation scams and deepfakes. Awareness campaigns must be continuous and delivered in accessible language: Malay and vernacular languages.”
He says banks and telcos should also provide practical safeguards such as scam alerts, transaction delays for high-risk transfers and simple account freeze options.
“For seniors and less tech-savvy parents, intergenerational support is key. Many young Malaysians can help family members review suspicious messages and activate security settings. Online safety should be treated as a shared household responsibility, not just a government function.”
At the same time, Tarmizi says the implementation of stricter laws should require platforms to adopt clear, time-bound breach notification rules.
“When scams or data breaches occur, affected users must be informed immediately, with clear steps to reduce harm. A mandatory reporting window, for example, within 48 hours, would improve transparency.
“Platforms should also publish regular transparency reports on scam trends and response times. Consumer trust depends not only on security systems, but on openness and timely communication.”
However, stronger laws may lead to heavy regulation of digital services but Tarmizi says Malaysia can strike a balance between protecting consumers from scams and ensuring they still have freedom of choice in accessing innovative online platforms and financial technologies.
“Cybercrime laws must be proportionate and technology-neutral. The focus should be on preventing harm, not prescribing specific technical solutions. This allows fintech startups and digital platforms to innovate without navigating outdated rules.”
He says Malaysia should also expand regulatory sandboxes to test new technologies under supervision.
“At the same time, the government should invest in next-generation cybersecurity infrastructure through quantum technology R&D, including research and pilot programmes in quantum-resistant and quantum cryptography.
“As cyber threats become more sophisticated, especially with the rise of quantum computing, Malaysia must prepare early to protect financial systems and consumer data.”
He adds that regulation must also not restrict access to global platforms simply because “they are harder to monitor”.
“Consumers deserve both protection and choice in a competitive digital ecosystem, supported by forward-looking security investments that keep Malaysia resilient in the long term.”
