Fighting scammers with AI and data: How Budget 2027 is sharpening Malaysia’s cybercrime defences

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 9 — The Malaysian government's Budget 2027 focuses on enhancing the country's cybercrime defences by introducing three key initiatives. These efforts aim to combat online scams, protect children from exploitation, and raise awareness of internet safety in schools.

To combat online scams, the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) will develop an AI application. This new tool will enable users to verify suspicious phone numbers, bank accounts, and links before engaging in transactions. The application will complement existing efforts, such as the Royal Malaysia Police's Semak Mule service and the National Fraud Portal, which help track funds and identify potential scams.

Additionally, the police's D11 division will upgrade the Malaysia Internet Crime Against Children system. This upgrade will incorporate advanced analytics to improve the detection of perpetrators and the identification of child exploitation networks. Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Mohd Khalid Ismail welcomed the initiative, emphasizing its potential to strengthen the protection of children against sexual exploitation.

Finally, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) will intensify its Safe Internet Campaign in all schools. This campaign focuses on teaching pupils about online risks and promoting safer internet practices. The campaign aims to address cyberbullying and child exploitation on digital platforms. By combining these three initiatives, the Malaysian government is taking a comprehensive approach to tackling online threats and safeguarding its citizens.