KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysians suffered losses exceeding RM1.5 billion due to 35,368 online crime cases in 2024, leading the government to intensify efforts against online threats and improve digital safety measures.
In response to the rising cybercrime, the Communications Ministry has introduced the Jelajah Kempen Keselamatan Dalam Talian campaign, led by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), to enhance awareness and bolster internet security nationwide.
This campaign will be implemented in over 10,000 schools and all public universities, aiming to educate the public about the risks of online scams, cyberbullying, and child exploitation while encouraging responsible internet use.
Coinciding with Safer Internet Day, the ministry announced that amendments to the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (Act 588) were gazetted on February 7 and take effect today.
“These amendments seek to create a more secure online environment, particularly for children and families,” the ministry said in a statement.
The ministry emphasised the importance of public support for these initiatives and urged citizens to take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their loved ones from cyber threats.
The government is committed to monitoring and addressing the evolving dangers posed by online crime and will extend the Online Safety Campaign to various communities, enhancing public knowledge about internet safety.
The Communications Ministry stressed that “Children under 13 years old are prohibited from having social media accounts, and internet usage must be supervised by parents or guardians.”
The campaign also focuses on raising awareness to avoid falling victim to online scams, online gambling, cyberbullying, and pedophilia-related crimes, as well as promoting safe and ethical internet use.
The government hopes that all Malaysians will fully support these efforts and take appropriate measures to protect themselves and their families from any online threats.
The ministry also underscored the need for vigilance.
“We must stay ahead of the scammers who continuously refine their methods using advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and automation.”
The public is encouraged to stay informed about the latest scams and take necessary precautions when engaging in online activities.
The ministry also said it will continue to monitor and address the evolving threats posed by online crime. – February 11, 2025