Malaysia Strengthens Cybersecurity Framework, Advances National Cybercrime Bill : PM Anwar

PUTRAJAYA, Feb 12: Malaysia is ramping up its national cybersecurity preparedness amid escalating and increasingly sophisticated cyber threats, with the government moving forward with plans to establish a centralized Cybersecurity and Cryptology Development Centre (CSCDC).

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim chaired the National Cybersecurity Committee (JKSN) Meeting No. 1/2026, which focused on enhancing national readiness and coordination in addressing cyber risks.

The meeting reviewed progress on the establishment of the CSCDC, which will integrate the functions of the Malaysian Cryptology Technology and Management Centre (PTPKM) and CyberSecurity Malaysia (CSM), as previously approved by the Cabinet. The center is expected to serve as a central hub for cybersecurity and cryptology development in the country.

Under the proposed restructuring, PTPKM will be given a permanent institutional placement, while CSM’s functions and resources will be consolidated under the CSCDC. The center will be placed under the Prime Minister’s Department and will operate under the oversight of the National Cyber Security Agency (NACSA) and the National Security Council as the technical and operational arm.

The committee also agreed to advance proposals for a new Cybercrime Bill, which will include provisions to address the misuse of artificial intelligence technologies, including deepfake content, the dissemination of intimate images, and data retention requirements to support investigations.

Amid global geopolitical uncertainties, the government reaffirmed that cybersecurity will remain a key national priority, with strategic cooperation among stakeholders to safeguard Malaysia’s security, stability, and sovereignty.