The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has blocked 3,150 social media posts linked to fraud and phishing from 1 January to 30 September of this year.
The action involved the takedown of posts on various platforms: 1,471 websites, 2,871 on Facebook, 254 on WhatsApp, 13 on Instagram, 11 on Telegram, and a video on TikTok, as reported by Bernama.
While MCMC’s authority for investigating fraud cases is limited, it can remove fraudulent content when informed by the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and collaborates closely with them to assist fraud victims.
Concerning law enforcement measures to combat cyber threats, Deputy Communications and Digital Minister Teo Nie Ching shared that cybercriminals are increasingly using artificial intelligence (AI) to hack passwords, leak information, and deceive users, resulting in data breaches and financial losses.
As a proactive response to these challenges, the Communications and Digital Ministry is considering amendments to the Personal Data Protection Act (Act 709).
Proposed amendments include requiring data users to appoint data protection officers, mandating the reporting of data leakage incidents to the personal data protection commissioner, and increasing penalties for data users and data processors.
Furthermore, the Personal Data Protection Department (JPDP) is planning to develop guidelines for the use of artificial intelligence related to personal data.
The National Cyber Security Agency is also in the process of drafting a cybersecurity bill to address cybercrime in line with the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 and the Criminal Procedure Code.
These initiatives aim to strengthen Malaysia’s defences against evolving cyber threats and protect individuals and organisations from online fraud and data breaches.
