KOTA KINABALU: Cyber crimes are on the rise in Malaysia, with over 20,000 cases involving RM560mil losses in 2021.
This was an increase from 13,000 cases with RM539mil losses recorded in 2019, said Home Ministry deputy secretary-general (security) Datuk Abdul Halim Abdul Rahman.
"Cyber security is among the important issues that need to be given attention, due to an increasing number of cases reported in this country.
"The cases recorded involved cyber bullying, forgery, data fishing, invasion (of privacy) and cheating, among others.
"A strong cyber security is crucial as the country is moving towards the Industrial Revolution 4.0, which is fully dependent on digital technology, thus any problem involving security will impact the government, economy and the community.
"While we advance in a world where we live with technology and critical data are sent to databases using the internet, cyber security must be at the forefront of the whole digital ecosystem," he stressed when opening the national level Important Targets Seminar here on Thursday (Aug 11).
The seminar aims to provide a platform for participants to share information, plan strategies and set safety measures through best practices in monitoring the important targets in security.
Abdul Halim said the digital revolution was expected to bring big changes to a country, but it was important to ensure the digital platform can be accessed safely and effectively.
On another security angle, he reminded that at present, another issue that continues to gain Malaysia’s interest is the South China Sea conflict, whose strategic location becomes a matter of dispute for several nations.
"As a small or medium nation, Malaysia is exposed to threats from external powers.
"And in this context, despite being in high spirits to form strong ties with China, Malaysia at the same time need to be rational and cautious, and maintain being open in strategic options as well as maintaining its autonomy.
"But the two-way shared interests between Malaysia and China have become the foundation to ensure stable security ties between both countries," he added.
Abdul Halim said various scenarios faced in food security issue should also be something to look into.
