PUTRAJAYA: The cyber security bill, expected to be tabled by year-end, will boost online protection, including for the courier industry.
Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil said this would be crucial as customers increased their digital purchases across product categories and channels.
He said cyber security was vital as reliance on digital systems, online transactions and sensitive customer data increased.
"The industry, which has been implementing digital transformation for the rakyat, should always ride on any opportunities to invest in cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence, automation and smart logistics to further optimise processes and enhance operational efficiency.
"However, we can't deny that with the use of technology comes the risk of cyber threats such as data breaches, malware attack and phishing scams," he said in his speech at the Courier industry appreciation day opening ceremony and launch of MYKURIER, an assessment tool for postal and courier safety and services provided.
He said industry players should give highest priority in protecting data, ensuring the integrity of operations and safeguarding against cyber threats in order to maintain trust and ensure the smooth functioning of the industry.
Apart from the proposed law, he said the government was also looking into the amendments to the Data Protection Act and incentivising courier industry players to enhance protection against cyber threats.
This, he said, included hiring data protection officers..
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was reported as saying that the new law would provide the National Security Council's National Cyber Security Agency (Nacsa) with clear legal jurisdiction and authority to protect the country's cyber security and carry out enforcement.
In safeguarding the wellbeing of courier employees, Fahmi said, he had also taken note of requests by Association of Malaysian Express Carrier (AMEC) to have Sundays and public holidays as rest days for their staff.
He urged employers in the industry to be more responsible in improving the work-life quality of employees by providing enough training and capacity building by providing employees with more exposure in skills development via Technical and Vocational Education and Training-related (TVET) programmes.
In addition, he said employers were also responsible to provide fair career advancement, compensation and benefits, ensuring proper health protection, and offering the best basic safety facilities to safeguard employees' physical health condition which can lead to greater job satisfaction and productivity.
This will lead to better prospects and be more sustainable for the industry as a whole, he said.
He also expressed gratitude for the commitment and dedication shown by the courier industry in delivering parcels and packages, playing a pivotal role in keeping the country's economy running smoothly while connecting people across the globe, even during the Covid-19 pandemic.
"In this fast-paced world, where instant gratification has become the norm, the courier industry has risen to the challenge, ensuring that goods reach their destinations swiftly and efficiently.
"The industry has become the backbone of our global supply chain, bridging the gaps between businesses, individuals and communities."
AMEC president Teong Teck Lean in his speech earlier said a work-life balance review was needed in protecting the wellbeing of over 160,000 employees in the courier sector, not including p-hailing staff.