Malaysia calls for stronger cybersecurity, child online safety

Doha: Malaysia has called for enhanced cybersecurity measures and intensified efforts to safeguard children online as the country embraces the digital economy, Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil stated at the Ministerial Roundtable during the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Plenipotentiary Conference 2026 (PP-26).

The Communications Minister emphasized that trust and safety are vital to enabling people to confidently participate in the digital economy, given that technological advancements continuously reshape how individuals live and work. Malaysia has welcomed the draft Doha Ministerial Declaration, which underscores a comprehensive approach to tackling the opportunities and challenges presented by digital transformation.

The declaration highlights three primary priorities central to Malaysia's national digital agenda: ensuring meaningful connectivity, promoting digital inclusion, and fostering a secure and trustworthy digital environment. Malaysia aims to ensure that innovations are developed and used responsibly, providing individuals with the confidence to leverage the opportunities presented by digital technologies.

Fahmi highlighted that meaningful connectivity extends beyond mere network coverage, emphasizing the need for affordable, reliable, and resilient telecommunications services to support communities and economic activities. The Malaysian government remains committed to investing in digital skills and capacity building while fostering innovation to enable a broader segment of the population to benefit from the digital economy.

As AI and other emerging technologies advance, Malaysia stresses that developing countries and underserved communities should not be left behind. These nations should have equal opportunities not only to utilize these technologies but also to contribute to their development and reap the benefits they bring. Fahmi welcomed the declaration's emphasis on international cooperation and recognized the ITU's crucial role in expanding connectivity, establishing technical standards, and enhancing digital capacity.

He reiterated Malaysia's readiness to collaborate closely with the ITU and other member states to build a more connected, inclusive digital future while ensuring greater safety and equitable opportunities for all.