The first day of the Dewan Rakyat debate on the Royal Address focused on the growing threat of online fraud and cybersecurity challenges. Lawmakers proposed various solutions, including legislation requiring financial institutions to reimburse victims of APP fraud and the establishment of a special task force to combat online financial scams. Concerns were also raised about identity theft on social media and the need for Malaysia to explore alternative AI technologies from countries like China.
The first day of the Dewan Rakyat debate on the Royal Address was dominated by the growing threat of online fraud and cybersecurity challenges. Several key topics emerged, including the suggestion for the government to explore a law requiring banks and payment service providers to reimburse victims of Authorised Push Payment (APP) fraud.
This initiative, recently introduced in the United Kingdom, was proposed by Datuk Mohd Shahar Abdullah (BN-Paya Besar), who argued that such a law would compel financial institutions to prioritize the safeguarding of digital transactions and enhance their reporting of suspicious activities to relevant authorities. Mohd Shahar, also the chairman of the Malaysian Government Supporters Club, stressed the growing importance of cybersecurity in today's geopolitical landscape, particularly in light of the increasing prevalence of cybercrimes targeting personal and financial data.Khoo Poay Tiong (PH-Kota Melaka) proposed the establishment of a special task force dedicated to combating online financial scams, including investment schemes and fraudulent offers of lucrative jobs abroad. He cited the alarming statistic of RM1.2 billion lost to online scams between January and October of the previous year, emphasizing the significant threat these scams pose to the nation's economy. Khoo echoed Mohd Shahar's call for legal amendments or the creation of new legislation to address the issue, highlighting the danger posed by investment frauds that impersonate legitimate corporations.Mohd Azizi Abu Naim (PN-Gua Musang) raised concerns about the growing problem of identity theft on social media, which he believes contributes to the spread of online slander and incitement. He expressed worry that individuals using fake identities or accounts could be backed by certain entities to undermine the government for political gain or personal revenge. Mohd Azizi also advocated for streamlining the use and transformation of digital technology, including optimizing resources and promoting collaboration among ministries and agencies. Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh (PH-Ledang) agreed, emphasizing the importance of maximizing resources across government and ensuring access to technology and the internet reaches rural areas. He envisioned Malaysia becoming a digital economy powerhouse, where artificial intelligence (AI), big data, and blockchain technology are commonplace, not just a luxury. Wong Chen (PH-Subang) added that as Malaysia develops as a hub for big data and AI, it should avoid over-reliance on technologies from Western nations. He suggested exploring the potential of innovations from other countries, such as China, citing DeepSeek, a more affordable and effective alternative application, as a possible pathway for indirect collaboration and catching up with other countries in the field of AI.
CYBERSECURITY ONLINE FRAUD ROYAL ADDRESS MALAYSIA DIGITAL ECONOMY AI TECHNOLOGY
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