LETTERS: The long-awaited Cyber Security Bill should be expedited through Parliament to provide agencies clear legal authority to regulate and enforce laws related to cyber security.
As announced by Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, the bill was drafted by the National Cyber Security Agency, which is under the purview of National Security Council.
The bill, which is expected to be tabled in Parliament next month, should be given the highest priority as digital communications and cyberspace now affect many parts of life.
Due to the increasing number of cyber threats probing every digital frontier of government and companies in Malaysia, as well as the escalating cybercrimes and online scams every year that result in significant losses, the Cyber Security Bill, is expected to close gaps in the law and improve the country's digital defence and cyber security posture.
Simultaneously, the bill will provide more coordinated avenues for law enforcement agencies to protect critical national digital infrastructure and improve the cyber security of citizens, who are exposed to scams and cybercrimes.
From another perspective, the Cyber Security Bill will not only protect Malaysian companies but also acts as a catalyst to grow our cyber security industry.
The Cyber Security Bill should focus on four major fronts.
First, coordinate the cyber protection of the government's and companies' digital operations;
Second, provide long-term cyber safety awareness and education at all levels;
Third, nurture and incentivise cyber security business.
Fourth, encourage the local cyber security sector by working closely with international companies.
These efforts will provide better cyber safety and data protection to digital communities, citizens, and small and medium industries.
The Cyber Security Bill is expected to provide an opportunity for the establishment of a cyber security commission as part of efforts in strengthening the country's digital defences.
Malaysia needs to strengthen its local cyber security industry and eventually aim to expand its services overseas.
Almost all public and private universities in Malaysia offer cyber security programmes, generating thousands of cybersecurity graduates every year. The establishment of a strong local cyber security industry means the availability of jobs for all these graduates.
Even though no statistics have been issued so far, the digital dark market that exploits the lack of cyber security and data protection is thriving internationally, and local scammers are sponsored and coordinated by these international operators, hiding behind the challenges of enforcing cross-border laws.
Passing the Cyber Security Bill through Parliament is expected to provide an extensive set of cross-border laws to counter cybercrimes, and ensure companies keep their information systems up to date.
It also allows the local cyber security industry to be seen as a new source of economic growth, as well as prioritising the digital safety and wellbeing of the public.
DATUK DR HUSIN JAZRI
Associate Professor, Monash University
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times