Kuala Lumpur: The Online Safety Campaign Roadshow is a key initiative in preparing Malaysians for an increasingly complex digital landscape, particularly with the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI).
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Security and Political Analyst from the Centre for Media and Information Warfare Studies, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Dr Noor Nirwandy Mat Noordin, stressed the importance of this initiative amid the fast-paced growth of technology and the rising sophistication of cybercrime syndicates. He highlighted emerging cyber threats such as online fraud, personal data breaches, the spread of fake news, phishing attacks, ransomware, and the uncontrolled use of algorithms that could compromise national identity and unity based on the Federal Constitution and Rukun Negara.
Dr Noor Nirwandy emphasized the necessity for Malaysians to remain vigilant against international syndicates that continuously refine their methods to target countries with high social media activity like Malaysia. He acknowledged the campaign as a commendable start but insisted on the need for continuous updates and a proactive government approach, noting Malaysia's robust cybersecurity framework in addressing AI-related threats.
Noor Nirwandy proposed a holistic government approach involving psychological warfare strategies, community-driven algorithm audits, and the establishment of cyber community clusters in specific areas to protect the populace from evolving cyber threats.
Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil announced that the Online Safety Campaign Roadshow would be conducted in over 10,000 schools and public universities nationwide to enhance awareness of internet security across all segments of society.
Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) Deputy Registrar Noor Mohamad Shakil Hameed expressed confidence that the campaign would bolster existing cybersecurity education efforts in schools and universities. He noted that current educational frameworks already support the cybersecurity agenda through academic courses, programmes, and internal regulations that provide guidelines on ethical internet use, believing the campaign would further increase public awareness and protection against cybercriminals.
Meanwhile, Siti Azfa Shariza Mohd Shariff, a private-sector employee and mother of two, backed the government's proposal to ban children under 13 from having social media accounts to shield them from online threats. She voiced concerns about the exploitation of AI technology by malicious individuals, such as pedophiles, scammers, and human traffickers, to deceive children and affirmed her strong support for the campaign.