MALAYSIANS URGED TO STAY ALERT ON ONLINE SAFETY

SIBU, Dec 15 (Bernama) -- As the government moves to pass amendments to the Communications and Multimedia Act  and the Online Safety Bill 2024 in the Dewan Negara this week, Malaysians are urged to increase their vigilance against online crimes

Deputy Minister of Communications Teo Nie Ching said this can be achieved by raising awareness of the growing prevalence of online fraud, which has surged since 2022.

"This year alone, as of October, Malaysia has recorded a staggering RM1.224 billion in losses due to online crime, with the majority of fraudulent posts found on Facebook," Teo told reporters after a special radio interview with RTM Sibu.

According to Teo, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) removed 242 fraudulent posts from social media in 2022, 6,297 posts last year, and a significant 56,294 posts this year.

She urged the public to be more vigilant in protecting themselves from online fraud, advising them not to click on any posts unless they are certain of their authenticity.

The Communications and Multimedia (Amendment) Bill 2024, which introduces comprehensive regulatory reforms and security guarantees for internet users, was approved by the Dewan Rakyat on Dec 9. Two days later, the Online Safety Bill 2024 was passed, requiring social media platform providers to ensure platform safety, protect children under 13, and restrict access to harmful content.

She emphasised that combating online crime requires a collective effort from the government, platform providers, and the public.

Teo also reminded the public that online crime extends beyond fraud, encompassing issues such as cyberbullying, sexual exploitation, and other threats.

“MCMC will collaborate closely with social media platform providers to ensure that content uploaded is safe, genuine, and free from fraud and harmful material,” she said, urging major social media companies to take the lead in safeguarding online spaces.

She added that the ministry, through its agencies, will continue to run public awareness campaigns on online safety, including initiatives like MCMC's Klik Dengan Bijak (Click Wisely).

These programmes will also address emerging risks posed by Artificial Intelligence (AI), particularly the misuse of AI to create deceptive deepfake content that could mislead the public.

-- BERNAMA