Armed Forces seek to fast-track establishment of Cyber Force

KUALA LUMPUR – The increasing frequency and severity of cyber attacks, particularly against the private sector, have prompted the Armed Forces to push for the establishment of a dedicated Cyber Force to strengthen the country's defence capabilities.

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said cyber threats were becoming increasingly serious with advances in technology, making it necessary for the military to strengthen its capabilities beyond the traditional land, sea and air domains.

He said the military had been experiencing cyber threats for some time, but attacks were now becoming more widespread, including targeting various private-sector industries.

"We are seeing an increase in cyber attacks, not only targeting national defence but also other sectors, particularly the private sector.

"This is not something new for us in the defence sector, but with technological advancements, such attacks could become more sophisticated and aggressive," he told reporters after the honorary promotion ceremony of Perlis Mentri Besar Abu Bakar Hamzah to Honorary Brigadier-Jeneral of the Territorial Army on Wednesday (Nov 11).

Mohamed Khaled said the establishment of a dedicated Cyber Force would represent a new dimension of military capability, alongside the existing Army, Navy and Air Force.

He added that the decision to establish the specialised force had been communicated to the Cabinet, with the ministry seeking to accelerate its formation in view of the growing cyber threat landscape.

Mohamed Khaled said a team nucleus had been established to study and develop the organisational structure of the proposed force.

Currently, cyber capabilities exist within various military services and units, but the ministry believes these resources need to be consolidated to create a more integrated and effective force, he said.

"The initial plan was to develop the Cyber Force by 2030, but the increasing intensity of cyber attacks has prompted the ministry to seek an earlier implementation.

"We do not want to be caught off guard and find ourselves unprepared. That is why we have informed the government of the need to expedite the establishment of the Cyber Force," he said.

He said the proposed force would also be intelligence-driven, although further details on its operational strategies and military capabilities would not be disclosed.

Meanwhile, Mohamed Khaled said the Armed Forces had also prepared 5,234 personnel to assist in flood relief operations during the current northeast monsoon season.

The deployment comprises 314 officers and 4,920 other ranks.

He said the military had also prepared 589 land mobility assets and 344 water mobility assets, with air mobility resources available when required.

He reiterated that the Armed Forces maintained its "first troop on the scene" approach during floods, ensuring personnel were among the first to reach affected areas and assist other agencies in managing disasters. –THE STAR