KUCHING: It is imperative that all Malaysians equip themselves with cybersecurity knowledge and information to safeguard against falling victim to cybercrime.
Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil emphasised the need for vigilance when utilising technology and the internet.
“The issue of cybersecurity is a critical matter that should be paid attention to by all parties and should become a responsibility shared by the government, private organisations, industry associations, and non-governmental bodies, including the users themselves.
“If you become a victim of cybercrime, please come forward and make a report because through these reports, it will help authorities analyse crime trends and formulate programmes for further preventive measures,” he said.
He made these remarks while speaking at the officiating ceremony of the State-level 2023 National Anti-Scam Roadshow at the Borneo Cultural Museum here today (Sept 2).
He mentioned that the ministry and its agencies, such as CyberSecurity Malaysia, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), the Department of Personal Data Protection (JPDP), and the Malaysia Digital Economic Corporation (MDEC), are actively implementing various approaches to deal with cyber threats and crimes, particularly scams and online fraud.
“Cybercrime prevention awareness programs are conducted through various methods, including campaigns, talks, exhibitions, roadshows, the publication of books and articles in magazines, and the production of telefilms and dramas, all aimed at empowering internet users and encouraging the positive use of the internet.
“To combat scam crimes and online fraud, the Government has established the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) as a call center that receives reports and helps block the flow of victims’ money. Scam victims can contact the NSRC at the 997 hotline, which operates every day to report the crime.
“The hotline is available from 8 am until 8 pm every day, and we are working to make it available for longer hours, while also simplifying the reporting process for people.
“But the most crucial part is, if it happens, call 997 immediately. The faster we can shut down the transactions, the sooner we can return your money,” he said.
Regarding the roadshow, Fahmi mentioned that it is held as an initiative to continue providing information and fostering awareness among internet users about scams and online fraud crimes.
“The roadshow started on February 18, 2023, in Selangor/Kuala Lumpur and on May 20 in Perlis. Besides Sarawak, this program will also be held in Kelantan, Sabah, Johor, and is expected to end in Putrajaya.
“Since anyone can become a victim of a scam, this program targets all internet users in Malaysia, including teenagers, youth, parents, public and private employees, seniors, people with disabilities, and others,” he said.
