Online scams and data breaches can result in financial losses, identity theft, and other serious consequences for individuals. Moreover, if left unchecked, these issues can damage the trust and credibility of online platforms and harm the economy. Therefore, it’s essential for a country to have strong laws and enforcement mechanisms to safeguard user data and combat online scams.
Malay Mail reports that the Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil announced that the country is taking steps to establish a national cybersecurity commission and amend the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) to improve protection of Malaysians’ data and combat scammers.
The proposed amendments aim to ensure those holding onto data are more responsible for protecting it and that more sectors are covered.
Discussions are underway to merge the National Cyber Security Agency (NASCA) and CyberSecurity Malaysia (CSM) to form a National Cybersecurity Commission, although legislation would need to be passed in Parliament first.
Cooperation between Malaysia and neighbouring countries is also necessary to combat scammers who operate outside Malaysia’s legal jurisdiction. The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is also implementing measures to stop scammers’ phone calls or text messages, and further actions are being considered.
