[UPDATED] Anwar warns Malaysia a cyberattack target, orders top-level briefings

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is among the countries considered potential targets of cyberattacks, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim told the Dewan Rakyat today.

He said that while not all information could be disclosed, the country's digital capabilities and its stance on certain international issues, particularly Gaza, had placed it in the spotlight.

"Malaysia is certainly among those considered a target," he said.

Anwar was responding to a supplementary question from Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee (PN-Beluran), who asked whether Malaysia was considered a target based on available intelligence and the extent of the threat.

Earlier, Anwar said the government had taken note of moves by several countries, including the European Union, Canada and Japan, to advise their citizens to maintain food stocks.

He cited an uncertain international situation following cyberattacks abroad that had shut down Belgium's national tax portal, compromised the identity records of almost nine million Danes, disrupted the US Federal Election Commission's filing system for 41 hours and exposed the personal records of more than 100,000 Japanese police personnel.

Anwar said the government was also monitoring developments involving the Middle East conflict, Yemen and the Red Sea.

He proposed that National Security Council (NSC) director-general Datuk Raja Nushirwan Zainal Abidin deliver a special closed-door briefing to all MPs within the next day or two.

"I believe this matter is very important because, based on information obtained yesterday evening and this morning, including from the Home Minister (Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail), we must not take it lightly," he said.

"I seek the cooperation of all members of parliament, from both the government and opposition, to give the NSC space in the next day or two to brief them on the latest developments."

Anwar said Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar would chair a meeting with all relevant departments this afternoon, while Bank Negara Malaysia governor Datuk Seri Abdul Rasheed Ghaffour would hold a special session with financial institutions.

He said a special NSC meeting was held yesterday to study the implications of the developments, focusing on digital and hybrid cyberattacks, possible nuclear fallout from threats against Gulf states, particularly Iran, and the impact of European political developments on administrative systems.

Anwar outlined five measures to address the threats, including strengthening coordination among ministries and agencies, improving preparedness against domestic and external threats, and enhancing protection for strategic infrastructure and sectors.

"This includes energy, transport, finance and food supply," he said.

The other two measures involve improving public and community preparedness, as well as strengthening agencies' capabilities and use of technology to safeguard against cyberattacks.

On public preparedness, Anwar said the NSC had advised him to issue the statement to remind MPs and the public that the threat was not distant.