Malaysia Armed Forces to add Cyber Force as fourth service by 2030

The Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) is scheduled to establish a Cyber Force as its fourth service by 2030, marking a significant strategic shift to address the growing threats in cyberspace and the electromagnetic domain. Armed Forces Chief General Tan Sri Malek Razak Sulaiman revealed that a dedicated team, the Cyber Force Nucleus Team, has been formed to plan, coordinate, and develop the capabilities necessary for the force's official establishment.

The nucleus team's launch is set to be officiated by the Defense Minister on September 19, during the MAF Day Carnival 2026 at the Royal Malaysian Navy Base in Lumut, Perak. General Sulaiman emphasized that this move is urgent and necessary to keep up with the evolving security landscape, citing examples from other countries that have successfully integrated cyberspace into their military services.

The MAF is also developing expertise in Cyber and Electromagnetic Activities (CEMA), with numerous cyber capabilities already applied in practical scenarios during exercises such as Exercise Camar Kilat Series 2/26. Defense Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin confirmed the plans for the Cyber Force as part of the Defense Ministry's strategy to combat modern and cognitive warfare threats.

The initiative aims to tackle threats that have shifted beyond traditional physical combat, focusing instead on dominating cyberspace and public perception.