Kuala Lumpur: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), in collaboration with the Melaka Education Department, is coordinating the launch of an Internet Safety Campaign set to begin next month.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Datuk Fairul Nizam Roslan, the State Executive Councillor for Science, Technology, Innovation and Digital Communication, stated that the campaign aims to involve over 300 primary and secondary schools throughout Melaka. The initiative seeks to raise awareness about online safety and educate students on protecting themselves from cyber threats.

Fairul Nizam highlighted the increasing vulnerability of young students to online dangers such as cyberbullying, paedophilia, and scams, as even primary school students are now accessing social media platforms. He mentioned that the state government is awaiting further instructions from MCMC at the federal level before proceeding with the campaign, which is expected to launch as early as next month or by June at the latest.

The councillor emphasized that the campaign would extend to the Wakil Rakyat Untuk Rakyat programme, aiming to broaden public awareness of online safety and cybercrime risks, thereby protecting users of all ages. This initiative complements the state government's existing efforts, which include the establishment of the Online Gambling, Fraud and Cybercrime Task Force, launched to combat cybercrime.

The task force has already been active in schools across the state, supported by agencies such as the Royal Malaysia Police, Bank Negara, MCMC, and the Department of Information. However, the Internet Safety Campaign introduces a new target group, focusing on schoolchildren under the age of 13.