PETALING JAYA: Local companies with expertise in the cybersecurity sector should cooperate with the government to create a safer digital space for Malaysians, says the Prime Minister’s senior press secretary Tunku Nashrul Abaidah.
He said this was mentioned during the first National Cybersecurity Meeting chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim yesterday.
Tunku Nashrul also said the government is highly confident in the ability of local experts to address cybersecurity threats.
“The ability of related agencies, along with cooperation with various education institutions and the local industry, will ensure that Malaysia is ready and able to face current and future cyber threats,” said Tunku Nashrul in a media briefing published on Facebook.
“The government calls on local parties with expertise in cybersecurity to collaborate with the government so that the cybersecurity ecosystem can be improved more comprehensively using local expertise.”
He said cybersecurity threats remain prevalent in Malaysia and everyone, including the government, the private sector and the public, has a role to play in ensuring a safer digital space.
Tunku Nashrul added that the meeting chaired by Anwar discussed the current cybersecurity situation in the country, which saw a reduction of cybersecurity incidents from 2023 to 2024.
According to Tunku Nashrul, the meeting also discussed the status of implementing the Cyber Security Act 2024 (Act 854), which will be strengthened through the appointment of a national critical information infrastructure chief and a cybersecurity expert.
The meeting also agreed to organise the “Cyber Games” and an Asean-level conference jointly organised by National Cyber Security Agency, the Council of Europe and Interpol on cybercrime in May this year.
Meanwhile, Tunku Nashrul said the Prime Minister met traditional religious groups at the Prime Minister’s Office yesterday.
“The Prime Minister welcomed a group of pondok and madrasah teachers from Kelantan to the PMO,” he said.
“The group was personally invited by Anwar after they attended a breaking of fast event at the Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin Mosque in Putrajaya on March 10.”
He said the Prime Minister exchanged views on various topics on the development of Islamic issues and Muslims during the visit.
“He (Anwar) stressed the importance of strengthening Islamic policies, especially in education, as well as several government efforts to build the internal strength of Muslims,” Tunku Nashrul said.
He said Anwar appreciates the views shared by religious teachers during the meeting, which touched on turath (heritage) education and ideas to strengthen the role of pondok institutions in Malaysia.
“In this discussion, they agreed that they can reach consensus in many areas, particularly in regards to differences in Islamic issues, rather than exaggerating the differences.
“The Prime Minister also highlighted the development of good and close communication and cooperation with the Kelantan Mentri Besar,” said Tunku Nashrul.
