KOTA TINGGI: Internet users need to sharpen their digital security literacy to protect themselves from increasingly cunning and complex online scam syndicates.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said said the pace of technology and the use of smart devices today expose the public to the risk of data theft and illegal fund transfers within seconds.
She said that while technological advances make life easier, vigilance by users remains the main line of defence against being repeatedly deceived by cybercriminals’ tactics.
“The biggest problem facing the country today is cyber threats. Where crimes were once committed physically, criminals now only need a smartphone to deceive victims,” she said at the launch of the Kota Tinggi District Safe Internet Campaign Community Carnival at Dewan Kejora, Bandar Penawar.
Azalina, who is also the Pengerang MP, reminded the public to always safeguard their banking information and personal identification numbers (PIN), as banks will not return money lost through one’s own negligence.
The government is also strengthening the country’s legal framework through the Online Safety Act 2025 (ONSA) to increase the accountability of digital service providers in tackling harmful content and protecting users, especially children, she said.
She said amendments to the Penal Code and the Criminal Procedure Code had also been carried out to enhance enforcement against online financial crime, including the misuse of mule accounts, as well as to bolster protection for victims of cyberbullying, harassment and threats.
Meanwhile, Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) Johor director Syed Isa Alsagoff said 588 Safe Internet Campaign programmes had been held across Johor, covering 10 districts with 38,049 participants as of September.
He said the achievement reflected MCMC’s ongoing commitment to broadening digital safety awareness through advocacy and education initiatives reaching all segments of society.
“As part of the 2026 Safe Internet Campaign, MCMC Johor aims to organise 10 Community Carnivals across the state.
“As of today, six carnivals have been successfully held in Kulai, Batu Pahat, Johor Baru, Kluang, Mersing and Tangkak, while Kota Tinggi is the seventh location this year,” he said.