Malaysia must strengthen defences against professional hackers: industry body

Malaysia needs to significantly boost its vigilance against increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks launched by professional hacking groups, according to industry leaders. Siraj Jalil, president of the Malaysian Computer and Communications Association (MCCA), raised the alarm over the threat posed by advanced cyber threats to the country's critical infrastructure and digital systems. The warning comes as cybersecurity experts globally have observed a marked escalation in state-sponsored and organised hacking activities. Jalil noted that cyber operations have evolved beyond isolated criminal incidents, now forming part of broader geopolitical conflicts between nations. This trend has prompted calls for enhanced defensive measures and greater coordination between government agencies, private sector organisations, and technology providers. Malaysian authorities have previously acknowledged the need for robust cybersecurity frameworks to protect essential services, financial systems, and sensitive government data from coordinated digital attacks.