Govt agencies ordered to strengthen readiness against cyber, supply threats

PUTRAJAYA: All ministries and government agencies have been directed to review their Business Continuity Plans (BCPs) to ensure critical government functions remain operational in the event of disruptions to the country's essential facilities.

Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar said the move was part of efforts to strengthen national security preparedness amid global uncertainty and geopolitical conflicts that could trigger various threats.

He said national security risk assessments must now take into account non-conventional threats, including cyberattacks, sabotage, disinformation and supply chain disruptions.

"Given the current global situation, marked by uncertainty and competing geopolitical interests, the government has a responsibility to assess threats that are no longer confined to conventional forms.

"Mechanisms must also be strengthened to address cyber threats, sabotage, disinformation and supply chain disruptions," he said in a Facebook post.

Shamsul Azri said ministries had also been directed to strengthen inter-agency coordination, information sharing and clarity of responsibilities to ensure swift action in the event of a threat.

He said the decision to review BCPs was aimed at ensuring essential government functions could continue if communication, energy, transportation or other critical infrastructure systems were disrupted.

The measures were in line with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's statement in Parliament yesterday on national security preparedness, he added.

Shamsul Azri said national sovereignty and security would not be compromised, with the government giving serious attention to risks that could affect national security, strategic sector interests and public safety.

Yesterday, Anwar told the Dewan Rakyat that the government was taking proactive steps to strengthen national preparedness in response to rising global cyber threats and geopolitical tensions, including ensuring adequate food, water and energy supplies.

He said a special National Security Council meeting had discussed existing mechanisms, tighter coordination among ministries, agencies and security forces, and measures to ensure the country was prepared for any eventuality.

Anwar also said several countries, including those in the European Union, Canada and Japan, had issued advisories urging their citizens to maintain basic food supplies for between three and 10 days.

He said international crises, including tensions in the Middle East, developments in Yemen and the Red Sea, and security threats in Europe, could have direct implications for public safety, economic stability and national interests.