Fahmi says online banking remains safe despite cyberattacks and Bank Rakyat hack

Doha, November 7 — Despite attempted cyberattacks by non-state actors and a recent hacking incident involving Bank Rakyat’s website, Malaysia’s online banking system and financial transactions remain secure, Communications Minister and Madani government spokesperson Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil affirmed. He stated that the hacking attempts detected so far have not led to data theft or disrupted online banking operations.

Fahmi expressed that the banking and financial sectors in the country are secure, and online transactions are safe. The minister addressed the hacking of Bank Rakyat’s website, noting that it was limited to web defacement, involving a third-party-managed site. Bank Rakyat blocked access to the affected server and redirected users to its fully-owned i-Rakyat website.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had ordered the National Security Council to review potential security threats to national infrastructure, including hybrid threats and cybersecurity measures for government assets, banking institutions, and government-linked companies. Fahmi is representing Malaysia at the 2026 ITU Plenipotentiary Conference, held in Doha from November 6 to 11, as well as negotiating to maintain Malaysia's position on the ITU Council for 2027-2030.