KUALA LUMPUR: Cybersecurity remains one of Malaysia's top concerns following a drastic rise in online crimes reported in the country.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin said the number of cases recorded associated with cyberbullying, fraud, intrusion, phishing and email scams had almost doubled.
He said in 2019, around 13,000 cybercrime cases were reported involving total losses of RM539 million, and the number increased to approximately 17,000 cases in 2020.
Last year, the number of cases increased to more than 20,000, with total losses worth RM560 million while as of February 2022, the number of cases reported was 3,273 involving losses of RM114 million.
"Many of our current and emerging threats involve new technologies that were unheard of even a decade ago. At the same time, today's national security landscape is changing at a faster pace than ever before.
"As such, keeping up with these changes is one of our region's biggest defence and national security challenges," he said in his speech at the launch of Defence Services Asia (DSA) 2022 and National Security (NATSEC) Asia 2022 exhibitions at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre here last night.
Apart from showcasing the latest technologies and services, Hamzah said DSA was a crucial platform to encourage capacity building and establish mutually-beneficial foreign partnerships, in line with the objectives to strengthen regional defence and security.
DSA 2022 and NATSEC Asia 2022 exhibitions are scheduled to be held at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) here from March 28 to 30.
The exhibitions are only open to high-level delegates, government employees, professionals and executives in the defence and security industry, as well as police and enforcement agencies, with this year's event featuring more than 1,000 exhibitors from 60 countries.
Meanwhile, Senior Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein in his speech said the ASEAN region currently faced a more diverse range of serious threats than at any point in history.
Hishammuddin said events such as DSA and NATSEC played an important role as a platform to deal with serious threats, as they involved the participation of high-ranking armed forces personnel, businesses and organisations from within the region and around the world - all under one roof.
"As countries all over the world continue to focus on recovering from the devastating impact that COVID-19 has brought, we, in the security business must remain ever vigilant in facing the threats to our countries and region.
"Traditional and non-traditional threats, in various shapes and forms must be effectively addressed before it escalates to pose clear, present and even catastrophic danger to countries all over the world," he said.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Mon Mar 28 2022
DSA 2022 & NATSEC Asia 2022 Opening Ceremony & Official Reception, 27 Mac 2022. - MINDEF
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.