KUALA LUMPUR: The growing threat of cyber attacks has led the Armed Forces to seek a dedicated force to protect the country’s security, says Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.
The Defence Minister said cyber threats were becoming increasingly serious with advances in technology, making it necessary for the military to strengthen its capabilities beyond the traditional land, sea and air domains.
“We are seeing an increase in cyberattacks, not only targeting national defence but also other sectors, particularly the private sector.
“This is not something new for us in the defence sector, but with technological advancements, such attacks could become more sophisticated and aggressive,” he told reporters after the honorary promotion ceremony of Perlis Mentri Besar Abu Bakar Hamzah to Honorary Brigadier-General of the Territorial Army yesterday.
Mohamed Khaled said the military had faced cyber threats for some time, but attacks were becoming more widespread, affecting various industries, including the private sector.
The establishment of a dedicated cyber force would add a new dimension to military capabilities alongside the Army, Navy and Air Force, he said, adding that the proposal had also been communicated to the Cabinet.
He added that a core team had been established to study and develop the organisational structure of the proposed force.
While cyber capabilities already existed within various military services and units, the ministry believed these resources needed to be consolidated to create a more integrated and effective force, he said.
“The initial plan was to develop the cyber force by 2030, but the increasing intensity of cyber attacks has prompted the ministry to seek an earlier implementation.
“We do not want to be caught off guard and find ourselves unprepared,” he said.
He said the proposed force would also be intelligence-driven, although further details on its operational strategies and military capabilities would not be disclosed.
Mohamed Khaled said the Armed Forces had also prepared 5,234 personnel to assist in flood relief operations during the north-east monsoon season.
The deployment comprises 314 officers and 4,920 other ranks.
He said the military had also prepared 589 land mobility assets and 344 water mobility assets, with air mobility resources available when required.
