Kuala lumpur: The Cyber Force Nucleus Team was launched today in a bid to establish a fourth branch of the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) to address the threats of warfare in the digital era, while strengthening the country's defence.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin stated that the team, which is expected to be fully operational by 2030, will conduct a more comprehensive assessment of all aspects involved in establishing the Cyber Force as the fourth branch of the MAF. The initiative is aimed at enhancing national defence preparedness in facing threats in the digital era, especially in the cyber and electromagnetic domains. This includes developing the organisational structure, formulating new operational doctrines, coordinating staffing, and integrating the four main pillars of CEMA, C4, INTEL, and SPACE, which are crucial steps for the long-term direction of the MAF forces.

He made these remarks during his speech at the launch of the Cyber Force Nucleus Team held in conjunction with the 93rd MAF Day celebrations at the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) base.

At a subsequent press conference, Mohamed Khaled emphasized that the creation of the Cyber Force was intended to tackle security threats that are increasingly driven by technological advances, rather than traditional forms. He highlighted that defence forces are now heavily dependent on technology through network-centric operations and stressed the necessity of having a dedicated Cyber Force to manage threats that could penetrate the country's borders.

The Cyber Force Nucleus Team will unite cyber units from the RMN, Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF), and the Malaysian Army while also creating new roles for personnel with IT and AI expertise.

Furthermore, during the event, Mohamed Khaled presented a letter of appointment to Brig Gen Datuk Abd Razak Sipit, who also serves as the Ministry of Defence Strategic Intelligence director-general, to lead the Cyber Force Nucleus Team. Additionally, he presented a mock cheque for RM442,000 to Perak Education, Higher Education, Youth and Sports Committee chairman Datuk Khairudin Abu Hanipah for the ministry's 2026 Jiwa Murni MADANI Programme.