KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia could become a target of cyber attacks due to its strength in digital technology and data centre industries, as well as its position on the Palestinian issue.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this was based on intelligence information obtained by the government, although not all details of the threats could be disclosed publicly.
"Malaysia is certainly among those considered potential targets. There are two reasons why the country could become a target. Firstly, because of our strength in digital technology and data centres, which is among the strongest, and based on the latest figures, our capabilities could rival those of Europe.
"Secondly, because of our stance on several issues considered controversial by certain countries, particularly in Europe and the United States, especially on Palestine and Gaza," he said during the Dewan Rakyat sitting on Tuesday.
He was responding to an interjection by Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee (PN-Beluran), who asked whether Malaysia had been identified as a potential target of attacks based on the government's intelligence information.
Anwar said the government was taking the latest developments in international security threats seriously following recent information received from relevant agencies, including the Home Minister.
He said a special National Security Council (NSC) meeting was held on Monday to assess the implications of hybrid, digital and cyber attacks, as well as emerging security threats in several countries.
The meeting also discussed existing mechanisms and the need for closer coordination between ministries, agencies and security forces to ensure the country was prepared for any eventuality.
Anwar also revealed that Malaysian intelligence agencies had identified the activities of several foreign intelligence agencies, including Israel's, operating in neighbouring countries, as well as the presence of Israeli nationals in Phuket and southern Thailand, as potential security threats to Malaysia.
He said the government was also monitoring measures introduced by several countries, including the European Union, Canada and Japan, which had issued directives and advisories urging their citizens to maintain food supplies sufficient for between three and 10 days.
"Let us not think that these threats are far removed from us because what has happened in Europe, America and Japan has certainly alarmed their respective countries," he said.
Anwar said the government was taking steps to strengthen coordination between ministries and agencies, improve preparedness against potential threats, and safeguard the country's strategic infrastructure and sectors.
He added that the government was also emphasising public and community preparedness while strengthening the capabilities of relevant agencies and the use of technology to address threats, including cyber attacks.
Anwar said he had instructed the NSC director-general to arrange a special closed-door briefing for all Members of Parliament within the next one or two days, subject to agreement from both sides of the political divide.
"I believe this matter is extremely important because based on the information received yesterday afternoon and this morning from the Home Minister, we must not take this issue lightly.
"Therefore, I seek the cooperation of everyone in Parliament, whether government or opposition representatives, to allow the NSC to conduct a briefing within the next day or two so that we can hear the latest developments directly," he said.