PUTRAJAYA: The government's decision to come up with strict cybersecurity laws is not a move to restrict freedoms, but one that is needed to address the negative aspects of the digital world.
This, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, included online scams and cyberbullying.
He said cybersecurity should be a priority as it has an impact on the overall national security, with more measures needed to curb crimes.
He emphasised the importance of beefing up cybersecurity, which he said was not discussed until recent years following the advancement of technology.
"This includes cooperation with friendly countries to enhance our capacity as the people are the ones that will determine the country's peace and security," he said in his speech at the 2024 National Security Month launch.
Anwar, who is also finance minister, said the new measures were necessary to create a safer online environment for all.
He said the government has introduced the Cybersecurity Act, and recently, the communications minister and the digital minister had focused on ensuring online safety for both domestic and international users.
"Yesterday (Monday), in Ipoh, I addressed the question of whether this might restrict freedom.
"This country is a democracy, and freedom must be given for people to voice their views, whether they agree, criticise or oppose."
He cited cyberbullying, which drove a woman to commit suicide recently, as well as online scams which involved billions of ringgit in loss.
"When we say restrictions are necessary, some argue against limiting freedom. Is freedom for deception, stealing, or abusing people until they commit suicide justified? These are issues that the public needs to understand, hence the focus on personal safety."