Malaysia to speed up quantum migration process to safeguard national data

Malaysia is contemplating a swift acceleration of its quantum migration process to bolster national data security in light of burgeoning advancements in quantum computing technology. Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil informed that he has directed the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to engage in discussions with the National Security Council (MKN), National Cyber Security Agency (Nacsa), and telecommunications firms to explore collaborative opportunities.

The proposed collaboration aims to establish an R&D space to expedite and enhance the security of quantum migration within Malaysia.

Quantum migration pertains to the process of upgrading current digital security systems to incorporate quantum-resistant encryption methods, intended to safeguard data against potential threats from forthcoming quantum computers. Fahmi Fadzil's remarks came after his visit to various exhibition booths during the Mobile World Congress (MWC) Doha 2026. He highlighted his interest in quantum-safe communication, an innovation deemed increasingly crucial for future data protection.

Fahmi emphasized that the emergence of quantum computers on the market is anticipated to present substantial challenges to existing cryptography and encryption techniques that currently safeguard data. He forecasted that quantum migration and quantum-safe communication would be among the foremost issues confronting numerous nations in the forthcoming years. As quantum computers become prevalent, they are projected to pose significant threats to the aforementioned security measures.