Malaysia to strengthen AI training modules as deepfake, scam risks grow, says Gobind

Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo said the ministry will continue to strengthen its artificial intelligence training modules based on newly identified risks, including deepfake threats and the misuse of the technology. — Bernama pic

First Published: Thursday, 08 Oct 2026 2:34 PM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 8 — The Digital Ministry will continue to strengthen its artificial intelligence (AI) training modules based on newly identified risks, including deepfake threats and the misuse of the technology.

Its Minister Gobind Singh Deo said the effort was being carried out through AI Malaysia Bhd, which also has an AI Safe initiative involving experts to examine security aspects and identify preventive measures against emerging technology threats.

“This is indeed something being monitored by AI Malaysia Bhd and it is a work in progress. We will ensure that each module is further strengthened whenever we identify new risks and the measures that can be taken to prevent people from falling victim to such risks,” he said during the question-and-answer session in the Dewan Rakyat today.

He said this in reply to a supplementary question from Abdul Latiff Abdul Rahman (PN-Kuala Krai) on measures taken by the government to address the risks of AI use among civil servants, as well as the misuse of the technology, including deepfakes, voice cloning, fake videos and AI-based scams.

He added that the training modules offered to various segments of society also included explanations of the risks associated with using new technologies, as well as ways to prevent users from falling victim to their misuse.

He said the aspect was also incorporated into the Executive Digital Leadership Programme (EDLP) and the use of Gemini Workspace in the public sector to ensure that civil servants understood the risks arising from the development of AI.

Responding to a supplementary question from Tan Hong Pin (PH-Bakri) on the role of AI Malaysia Bhd in expanding AI talent and skills development, particularly among youths, Gobind said the effort required collaboration among various parties, including the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Higher Education, industry and academic institutions.

He said AI Malaysia Bhd was responsible for identifying the country’s talent needs, compiling information on existing training modules and assessing their suitability to industry requirements and target groups.

The effort was also aimed at identifying existing training gaps so that new modules could be developed to meet the needs of people across various segments of society.

Gobind said the ministry was currently in the process of establishing a structure that would enable AI Malaysia Bhd to carry out the role comprehensively, while ensuring that AI talent development initiatives reached people who needed new skills. — Bernama