Melaka: The government is committed to continuing the Safe Internet Campaign (KIS) 2.0 next year by focusing on digital safety literacy education among parents to strengthen the community's knowledge and protect them from cyber threats. Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil emphasized the need to expand the KIS, initially launched in January this year, to improve awareness not only among schoolchildren but also among parents, educators, and platform providers regarding the importance of adopting ethical and safe practices in the use of the Internet.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Fahmi highlighted the crucial role of parents in this initiative. He stated that close monitoring, constant guidance, and open communication between parents and children are essential in shaping a responsible attitude and awareness about the risks in cyberspace from a young age. His speech was delivered by Communications Ministry secretary-general (Infrastructure and Communications) Mano Verabathran at the launch of the Safe Internet Campaign Carnival for the Southern Region at the Multimedia University. The event also saw the presence of Melaka Science, Technology, Innovation and Digital Communication Committee chairman Datuk Fairul Nizam Roslan and Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) chief officer of state affairs Bukhari Yahya.
Fahmi also revealed that the KIS has empowered students in 1,478 educational institutions across the southern region, covering Johor, Melaka, and Negeri Sembilan, as of November, involving the participation of approximately 26,617 students. He emphasized that while the campaign has met its initial targets, the overall goal is to prevent Internet users from becoming victims of online crimes, rather than merely counting the number of implemented programs.
He acknowledged the benefits of the Internet, including access to unlimited information and the strengthening of the digital economy and communication network. However, he noted that these advantages also bring challenges such as cyberbullying, scams, false information, digital gambling, and child sexual exploitation. Fahmi pointed out that the cooperation between the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and the MCMC highlights the misuse of digital space for harmful purposes.
Fahmi added that police records indicate over 47,000 online scam cases had been recorded as of September, with an estimated total loss of RM1.9 billion. This is an increase of over 12,000 cases compared to the 35,368 cases recorded in 2024, involving losses estimated at RM1.5 billion. Additionally, over 880,000 digital files of sexual crimes were discovered, including child sexual abuse materials and adult pornography, resulting in the arrest of 31 individuals under Ops Pedo 2.0 in October.