Budget 2025: Rm30 Million Allocation Will Bolster Cyber Security, Combat Fraud - Expert

By Noraizura Ahmad

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 20 (Bernama) -- The RM30 million allocation in Budget 2025 to intensify efforts to combat fraud and improve cyber security has been described as a proactive and timely measure.

Cyber ​​Security and Artificial Intelligence (AI) expert Associate Prof Dr Selvakumar Manickam said the allocation will protect individuals and businesses while playing an essential role in strengthening the economy and maintaining national security. 

"By addressing cyber security issues, we can create a safer environment for businesses, encourage innovation, and attract foreign investment. All of this contributes to economic stability and growth," he told Bernama.

Selvakumar said this provision will establish a robust cyber security framework while building trust in digital transactions and services.

"This trust is crucial in developing a dynamic digital economy and ensuring that all citizens, regardless of technical expertise, can engage with online platforms with confidence," he added.

He also emphasised that fraud prevention and cyber security measures will help build a more inclusive and resilient digital society, ultimately improving people's quality of life. 

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, in tabling Budget 2025 on Friday, announced an allocation of RM20 million to strengthen the role of the National Fraud Response Centre and the addition of 100 positions at the National Cyber ​​Security Agency (NACSA) with an allocation of RM10 million.

NACSA chief executive Dr Megat Zuhairy Megat Tajuddin said the additional staffing will enhance the agency's ability to monitor and coordinate essential measures aimed at strengthening the country's cyber resilience.

"We will deploy additional staff at the Cyber ​​Coordination Centre and Control Room (NC4), which operates around the clock to manage enforcement, develop policy and support collaborative efforts.

"This will increase NACSA's ability to monitor and coordinate important measures to strengthen our country's cyber resilience," he said.

Megat Zuhairy also welcomed the allocation of RM50 million to public universities for educational research related to AI and the collaboration between Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) and NACSA ​​in establishing the Malaysian Cryptology Technology and Management Centre.

He said the collaboration is in line with global momentum and ensures the preservation of the nation's cyber and digital security sovereignty.

The centre will be established to plan and coordinate the migration programme of the country's cryptographic system to Post-Quantum Cryptography.

"This migration effort will be a strategic priority to ensure cyber security, National Critical Information Infrastructure (NCII) and people's personal data are protected," he said.

Through Budget 2025, UPM will establish the Malaysian Cryptology Technology and Management Centre in collaboration with NACSA to integrate quantum computing AI in preparation for potential cyber security threats.

Megat Zuhairy said that by 2030, quantum computers are expected to be widely used and capable of performing high-speed computations.

He added that while this technology can potentially enhance computing capabilities in various beneficial fields, it also poses a risk to the foundations of cyber and digital security infrastructure, which currently relies on existing cryptographic systems.

-- BERNAMA