Govt to develop AI app to help Malaysians spot scams

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has unveiled plans to create an AI-powered application aimed at assisting Malaysians in identifying potential scams. The National Scam Response Centre will be responsible for developing the application, which will enable users to verify suspicious phone numbers, bank accounts, and links before engaging in any transactions. This initiative is part of broader efforts to detect and combat scammers and cybercriminals at an earlier stage.

The 2027 budget allocation includes RM22 billion for both the home and defence ministries. Additionally, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission will enhance its efforts to implement the Safer Internet Campaign in schools, with a focus on addressing issues such as cyberbullying and child exploitation. Meanwhile, the Bukit Aman's D11 division will bolster the Malaysia Internet Crime Against Children system with advanced analytical capabilities to identify perpetrators and networks involved in child sexual exploitation.

Separately, the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency will receive RM490 million in funding. This allocation will be used to install 48 new body and baggage scanners at three major international airports - Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Penang International Airport, and Kota Kinabalu International Airport.