Malaysia must stay ahead of cyberattacks, not just react to them, says Anwar

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim moderated the 14th Malaysia Madani Intellectual Forum, which discussed agricultural resilience, food security and national preparedness for emerging threats, in Kuala Lumpur November 6, 2026. — Bernama pic

First Published: Saturday, 07 Nov 2026 1:15 PM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 7 — The government is strengthening the national cybersecurity readiness by focusing on the capability to anticipate and prevent attacks following increasingly complex and sophisticated cyber threats.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said a proactive approach must be prioritised over reactive measures to ensure the country is prepared for threats that could target various sectors, including banking and critical institutions.

“We must build strength to anticipate attacks. Do not wait to be reactive. We must be prepared to anticipate,” said Anwar, who was also the moderator of the 14th Series of the Malaysia Madani Intellectual Forum here last night.

Also present were Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Zambry Abd Kadir, SD Guthrie Berhad Group CEO and President Mohd Haris Mohd Arshad, and PNB Research Institute CEO Sarena Che Omar.

Anwar said cyber threats are no longer limited to developing nations; instead, developed countries in Europe with highly sophisticated security and economic infrastructures also face serious attacks.

Accordingly, he said the government had held a National Security Council (NSC) meeting to examine existing expertise and capabilities in dealing with cybersecurity threats.

Furthermore, detailed briefings were given to Members of Parliament, while Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar met ministry secretaries-general, directors-general and senior officials to coordinate comprehensive preparations for potential cyber intrusions.

Anwar stressed that thorough preparation is crucial as cyberattacks typically occur in various forms and not all can be detected early.

Commenting on the forum, the prime minister said it is a vital platform to gather views, criticisms and suggestions from various parties to help the government evaluate and improve policies and national programme implementation.

He said the monthly forum provides an open space for academics, researchers, private industry players and the administrative machinery to share perspectives transparently, including voicing views differing from government decisions.

“We hold this forum in a relaxed, informal manner. I listen to the views from friends, then we summarise and bring necessary matters to the Cabinet,” he said.

Anwar said this approach also enables the government to obtain different perspectives from experts and stakeholders before making decisions, thereby ensuring drafted policies consider on-the-ground realities and actual challenges.

He added that the views presented in the forum should not be limited to academic discussions but must be translated into actions and improvements in the national administration.

He noted that open discussions are also essential to identify weaknesses in existing policies and find more effective solutions for the people’s benefit.

The 14th Series of the Malaysia Madani Intellectual Forum discussed the resilience of the agricultural sector and food security, which are also considered vital elements of national security and economic resilience. — Bernama