KUALA LUMPUR: The Defence Ministry (Mindef) is assessing the need for a dedicated cyber force to counter cyberthreats and misinformation campaigns as part of efforts to accelerate military modernisation and address emerging security challenges.
Its minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin (pic) said the proposed force would be equipped with advanced technical expertise in areas such as cyberthreat intelligence, incident response, digital forensics and active cyberdefence.
“This capability will empower the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) to not only respond to cyberattacks, but also proactively prevent and neutralise threats before they compromise military operations and national security,” he said during a question-and-answer session at the Dewan Negara yesterday, Bernama reported.
He said this in his reply to a question from Senator Amir Md Ghazali, who asked whether the government was planning to increase the defence budget or expediting military modernisation, to address unforeseen threats.
Mohamed Khaled said that Mindef, through the Defence White Paper, has outlined a clear strategy to transform the ATM into a more integrated, agile and mission-focused force by 2030.
“The Science and Technology Research Institute for Defence has also identified key focus areas, which require attention to strengthen the national defence sector.”
Mohamed Khaled said for the second phase of the Defence White Paper’s implementation, particularly in terms of budget and expenditure, the ministry would propose that national defence spending be set at 1.5% of the Gross Domestic Product by 2030, to ensure its successful execution.
