IGP: Modern Security Threats Require Joint Strategic Response

KUALA LUMPUR, May 13 (Bernama) -- Modern security threats such as cybercrime, online scams and increasingly complex cross-border crimes require strategic cooperation among various parties to be addressed effectively.

Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail said losses due to online scams in Malaysia reached RM2.7 billion last year, highlighting that current security challenges cannot be handled by enforcement agencies alone.

He said the success of Ops Hazard 3.0, which uncovered more than 110 illegal e-waste sites, also demonstrated the evolving sophistication of such threats and the need for a more comprehensive approach.

“The theme ‘Synergised Policing: Securing the Future Together’ highlighted during the PDRM Special Dialogue V 2026 (PSD V 2026) programme is highly relevant to today’s global security realities.

“We have expanded the scope of discussions to include highly concerning modern security threats such as cybercrime, online scams, cross-border crime, narcotics syndicates and environmental sustainability issues,” he said in his speech at the closing ceremony of the programme here today.

The two-day programme, which began yesterday, featured 31 sessions including keynote addresses, panel discussions and technical workshops involving industry players, enforcement agencies, technology experts and policymakers.

Mohd Khalid said among the key topics discussed were the evolution of psychological manipulation techniques in cybercrime, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in border control and strategies to dismantle drug distribution networks through financial intelligence.

He added that the signing of a memorandum of agreement between Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) and the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) in the field of forensic science was another key achievement of this year’s PSD V 2026.

“Through this agreement, USM is offering three places for Master’s or Doctor of Philosophy programmes in forensic science, as well as two places in social sciences, management or communication, with full tuition fee exemptions.

“This strategic collaboration, which has been established since 2016, reflects our commitment to strengthening the PDRM’s forensic investigation capabilities through the sharing of expertise, professional training and strategic research,” he said.

He added that all input and technologies shared throughout the dialogue would serve as a catalyst for the Asia International Security Summit & Expo 2027, which is scheduled to take place early next year.

-- BERNAMA