Cybersecurity at the centre of Malaysia’s secure digital future.—Photo from 123rf.com
“THE greatest threat today is not the bomb or the bullet, but the control of information,” said Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) commission member Derek John Fernandez.
His words, delivered at the Digital Nation Summit Kuala Lumpur organised by GSMA, underscore a reality many Malaysians now face: living in the age of the information war where scams, cyberattacks and misinformation pose as much danger as traditional weapons once did.
Fernandez calls for industry to step up on cyber defences, protecting citizens.
From gatekeeper to partner
For decades, regulators were seen mainly as rule enforcers. Today, that role is no longer enough.
As Fernandez emphasised, the commission is no longer just a gatekeeper but has become an active partner in shaping a safe, trusted digital environment for citizens and businesses alike.
This shift is critical in a time where digital connectivity underpins almost every aspect of life in Malaysia, from banking, healthcare, education and commerce.
Protecting that ecosystem is not a technical afterthought, but a national security priority.
The scale of the threat
The statistics are sobering. Since 2022, Malaysian authorities have blocked over 2.1 billion suspicious calls and SMS messages. Losses from scams and fraud between 2022 and 2024 alone reached RM3.16bil.
“The heart of the problem,” Fernandez explained, “is because we need to accept this fact—that today information can be weaponised.”
Criminals can manipulate decisions, steal identities and defraud victims, all without being physically present in the country.
Proactive not reactive
Cyberthreats evolve constantly, making prevention essential.
MCMC now works with telecommunications operators and technology providers while educating citizens to anticipate risks, strengthen safeguards and close vulnerabilities before they are exploited.
This includes setting clear security standards for service providers, promoting shared responsibility, driving collaboration to share threat intelligence and adopting minimum security benchmarks.
Public education campaigns – such as the Safe Internet Campaign, disseminating information via TikTok and school programmes – equip Malaysians to better resist scams and misinformation.
More importantly, MCMC’s efforts also involve raising awareness among vulnerable groups, including seniors and schoolchildren, to ensure that no one is left behind.
Industry must step up
Fernandez stressed that companies profiting from digital services have a duty of care to strengthen their products’ and platforms’ cybersecurity.
He likened the responsibility of telecommunications operators and service providers to that of a parent looking after their child, safeguarding users as if they were family.
This is especially urgent as Malaysians increasingly depend on digital services in their daily lives.
Tangible protections for Malaysians
While cybersecurity may sound abstract, its impact on everyday life is very real.
MCMC’s initiatives have helped curb online scams, block fraudulent numbers, and ensure that businesses can operate securely in the digital economy.
For citizens, this means greater confidence in online services, from shopping and banking to accessing government portals.
For businesses, especially small and medium enterprises, it reduces risks, lowers fraud costs and builds a stronger foundation for growth in the digital marketplace.
Buckled in for a digital future
Building resilience cannot be achieved by the regulator alone; it requires a collective effort: industry leaders investing in secure infrastructure, technology companies innovating responsibly and citizens staying vigilant.
MCMC’s role is to bring these players together to facilitate dialogue, enable knowledge sharing, and support international partnerships that strengthen the nation’s position in the global digital economy.
Cybersecurity threats do not stop at national borders. With Malaysia holding Asean chairmanship this year, MCMC is working closely with regional regulators to align policies and strengthen collective defences.
A national priority
As Malaysia accelerates its digital transformation, the stakes will only grow. Cybersecurity is no longer just an IT issue; it affects families, businesses and governments.
MCMC is committed to leading not just as a regulator, but as a proactive partner in safeguarding the nation’s digital future.
