In-depth reporting on Malaysia and the region.
Malaysia has removed nearly 100,000 scam-related content items from social media platforms in the first seven months of 2025, exceeding last year's total. Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching highlighted the escalating threat during parliamentary debate on new communications legislation.
Norway's Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store has sounded an alarm over escalating far-right extremism targeting young people, citing social media and artificial intelligence as accelerants. The warning came during commemorations of the country's deadliest terror attack 15 years ago.
Experiments reveal that ChatGPT and Gemini can accurately deduce personal information—from lifestyle and socioeconomic status to health concerns—that users never explicitly shared, prompting urgent questions about AI privacy.
Malaysia's communications regulator has removed 1,550 pieces of offensive content involving children since January 2022, working with licensed service providers. New legislation and age-verification measures are strengthening protections.
A comprehensive security study shows 98% of Malaysians frequently use digital services, yet over 87% fear fraud and 91% worry about personal data theft amid growing concerns about AI-driven attacks.
Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid warns of escalating online fraud threat, revealing 8,014 charges recorded by May 2026, already surpassing last year's total. The government is advancing comprehensive cybercrime legislation.
Perak's menteri besar says the spread of deviant Islamic teachings remains under control despite rising dissemination through digital channels and across borders, with authorities intensifying oversight mechanisms.
Malaysia's government is undertaking a major review of cybercrime victim protections, with plans to examine stricter penalties for offenders and mechanisms allowing victims to recover lost funds through banks.
Malaysia's government has created a special cross-agency committee to combat surging online scam crimes, enlisting support from banking, telecommunications, and social media platforms for the first time.
India's ministry of information and technology has instructed Meta's WhatsApp to suspend its planned username rollout and explain why regulatory action should not follow, citing heightened fraud and impersonation risks.
Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil has condemned those operating a fraudulent WhatsApp account impersonating Pakatan Harapan's Endau candidate in the Johor state election.
Malaysia's forthcoming Cybercrimes Bill 2026 will exceed international cybercrime treaty obligations, introducing broader offences tailored to the country's legal framework and enforcement capabilities.
Malaysia's Ministry of Health has taken its official website offline to implement enhanced cybersecurity measures following a recent cyber threat. The ministry confirms healthcare delivery systems remain operational and unaffected.
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Malaysian authorities have arrested more than 45,000 individuals in a sustained campaign against online fraud since 2023, with police investigating over 165,000 cases as cybercriminals increasingly target regional victims.
Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has urged Malaysia to adopt a more robust legal framework to combat escalating cybercrime threats, citing significant financial losses and the evolving nature of digital attacks affecting ordinary citizens.