Budget 2026: Melaka Exco Praises Cybersecurity Push, Urges Greater Public Awareness

MELAKA, Oct 11 (Bernama) -- The federal government's initiative to strengthen national cybersecurity through Budget 2026 is a timely move that will enhance public awareness of this issue.

Melaka Science, Technology, Innovation and Digital Communication Committee chairman Datuk Fairul Nizam Roslan said Melaka, which is the first state to establish a special committee in 2024 to address cybercrime, welcomes the government’s focus on this critical issue.

"However, this effort should not rely solely on financial allocations. Even with a large budget, if public awareness remains low, we are concerned that cybercrime cases will continue to rise," he told reporters after opening of the Karnival Kita MADANI x Program MADANI Rakyat Programme Melaka Edition at Dataran Klebang here today.

Fairul Nizam said the losses from cybercrime cases in Melaka so far are estimated at RM70 million, and therefore, the state government remains committed to implementing awareness campaigns to enhance public vigilance against cyber threats.

Yesterday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, in tabling Budget 2026 in the Dewan Rakyat, said a Cybercrime Bill will be introduced to more comprehensively address cyber offences.

Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, added that the National Cyber Security Agency (NACSA) will establish a Cybersecurity and Cryptology Development Centre to strengthen the nation’s digital sovereignty and security.

The Prime Minister also said the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC), led by the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), will receive a RM12 million allocation to enable faster and more efficient handling of financial scam cases.

"The role of PDRM’s D11 (Sexual, Women and Children Investigation) Division will be used to tackle cyber-based sexual crimes exploiting children. RM20 million will be allocated to modernise digital forensic systems and expertise, as well as to establish a Behavioural Science Unit to analyse behavioural patterns and criminal profiles," said Anwar.

-- BERNAMA