Malaysia to upgrade cyber security enforcement - Zahid

Malaysia is keen to beef up cyber security enforcement to curb the influence of online terrorism, said Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

He said the move was imperative to prevent Malaysians from being recruited by terror groups.

Ahmad Zahid, who is Home Minister, spoke to Malaysian reporters after a meeting with his Italian counterpart Angelino Alfano during which they discussed cooperation in areas such as terrorism, migrant and human trafficking as well as organised crime.

"The Italians take cyber security seriously and have allocated €150 million (about RM672.7 million) (on enforcement). Malaysia must take immediate measures to curb attempts to recruit terror group members online," Ahmad Zahid said.

He said the Home Ministry, especially the police, would need a sizeable allocation to strengthen the technical aspects of enforcement as well as the management part of it.

Malaysia, he said, had plans to send police and customs officers to Italy to have a close look at how the country tackles organised crime and immigration issues.

Ahmad Zahid, who is on a three-day visit to Italy, also held a meeting Tuesday with the Italian Police chief, Alessandro Pansa and Department of Civil Liberties and Immigration chief, Mario Morcone.

Later, he hosted a dinner for a group of Malaysians living in the Italian capital.