LETTER: Programmes and activities to promote digital literacy are needed so that people can be familiar with the use of technology and also not expose themselves to the dangers of the Internet.
Programmes that promote digital literacy is one effective way to reduce scam activities that occur daily as frequently reported in the media and by the police.
According to the Department of Statistics, access to the Internet among Malaysians has increased to 90.1 per cent in 2019 compared with 87 per cent in 2018 and the percentage of households with access to smartphones stood at 98.2 per cent in 2019.
The five most popular activities among Internet users are:
1. Social network — 97.1 per cent
2. Downloading photos/films/music/games — 84.7 per cent
3. Searching for info on goods and services — 83.5 per cent
4. Voice communication via the Internet — 77.4 per cent
5. Downloading software — 77.1 per cent
One of the benefits of the Internet is the use of social media that enables social connections. However, widespread Internet usage also leads to risks such as scams, cyber bullying and cybercrime.
For example, many online scams have been reported, such as the Macau Scam, investment and loan scams, Love Scam and even mule account activities. These fraudulent activities often involve large sums of money.
Hence, Internet users need to be educated in terms of digital literacy, and need to understand the technological limitations and the risk and dangers of using the Internet.
The police have carried out many initiatives to address these activities, such as providing a platform to verify if a phone number or if an account number is linked to scam activities.
The public should be vigilant to not disclose personal information to strangers. This is important to prevent them falling prey to more scams. So far, there have been many cases of cybercrime and it is increasing in Malaysia, especially during the Movement Control Order (MCO) period.
What has been done so far is inadequate in improving digital literacy, especially among children and teens. Their psychological and mental wellbeing are at risk due to the fact that they are without the proper knowledge of how the Internet and technology function.
So, I hope the relevant ministries will systematically and consistently plan to implement digital literacy programmes to reduce the risks associated with the Internet.
Digital literacy is important and should be included in the school curriculum from as early as primary school so that the younger generation will be aware of and be protected from scam syndicates and commercial crimes.
TAN SRI LEE LAM THYE
Chairman, Alliance for Safe Community
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times