MCMC to Lead Delegation to Singapore for Cybercrime Talks: Fahmi

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 29 (VoM): The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) will lead a delegation to Singapore next week for high-level discussions with international social media platforms on strengthening measures to curb cybercrime.

Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said the talks will focus on the need to adopt electronic Know-Your-Customer (eKYC) identity verification using MyKad, passport, or MyDigital ID. The move aims to prevent cybercriminals from exploiting digital platforms for scams, illegal sales, and fraudulent activities.

“The objective is to stop criminals from misusing social media, particularly when it comes to fake sales, the promotion of banned items like narcotics, and scams. On Facebook alone, more than 150,000 gambling- and fraud-related contents were detected in the first nine months of this year. Removing each post takes up to 30 minutes, which is a waste of valuable time,” Fahmi told reporters after launching the 29th Public Service Psychology Conference at Angkasapuri Kota Media today.

Also present was Public Service Department (PSD) director-general Tan Sri Wan Ahmad Dahlan Abdul Aziz.

Fahmi noted that fast and affordable internet access in Malaysia was being exploited by cybercriminals to lure victims with false advertising and illegal sales. He highlighted that one of the most common impersonation cases involved ophthalmologist Prof Datuk Dr Muhaya Mohamad, whose name continues to be misused by fake accounts selling counterfeit products.

By year-end, the government will enforce the Online Safety Act (ONSA), making it mandatory for platforms to take proactive steps against harmful content. “The online safety committee under the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) will issue directives, while MCMC will enforce them. One of the key goals is to ensure children below 13 years old do not have social media accounts,” Fahmi said.

In his keynote address, the minister urged civil servants to strengthen mental resilience in facing today’s “infodemic” and to apply a “Zero Trust” principle when handling online information. He also encouraged the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to combat misinformation and reduce workload.

Fahmi revealed that psychological health screenings through MyPsyD showed concerning results:5% of the 1.17 million civil servants assessed were at high risk of mental health issues, while another 35% were at moderate risk. He called on leaders to be more sensitive, provide a healthier working environment, and foster stronger support among colleagues.

He also reminded civil servants to exercise discipline when using social media, stressing that even national figures are vulnerable to misinformation and online fraud.

The 29th Public Service Psychology Conference, themed “AI and Personal Charisma: Resilience in the Infodemic Era,” runs this week and highlights the role of AI in supporting mental resilience and enhancing civil service effectiveness.