KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 646 data leak cases were recorded last year, representing a significant increase as compared to the figures in 2022.
Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo said in 2022 there were only 50 cases, but as of September this year, there have been 427 cases reported to the ministry.
He said data leaks pose a serious threat to national security and sovereignty.
"Such breaches can lead to the exposure of sensitive information, including citizens personal details, confidential government information and security data that can be manipulated by threat actors or hackers.
"This opens the door to cyber threats such as espionage, hacking attacks and data misuse, which could undermine public trust in government institutions," he said in a written response in Dewan Rakyat.
Gobind said irresponsible parties may also exploit exposed data to commit cyber crimes such as identity theft and attacks on critical national infrastructure.
However, he said, the government will continue taking proactive measures to reduce the risk of data breaches and ensure the security of national information.
"This includes establishing an active monitoring centre to oversee suspicious activities on the Dark Web, carried out by the CyberSecurity Malaysia Pre-emptive Technology and Services Division.
"The ministry is also conducting data analysis and gathering information on data breaches involving ministries and government agencies," he said.
Gobind said the ministry also provides guidelines and training to government staff on cyber security issues and preventive measures against data breaches.
Among others, he said the ministry is also collaborating with other agencies and law enforcement bodies, such as the Personal Data Protection Department to ensure immediate action can be taken in response to any data breach incidents.