Communications Ministry Expands Internet Security, Continues To Strengthen Information Delivery In 2026 – Fahmi

By Nurul Hanis Izmir

PUTRAJAYA, Dec 21 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Communications will prioritise efforts to strengthen internet security and enhance the delivery of government information to ensure it is more effective and tailored to target groups in 2026, in line with the MADANI Government’s aspirations that emphasise justice and the well-being of the people.

Its minister, Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, said the ministry will implement the Safe Internet 2.0 Campaign to bolster online security, targeting not only children and teenagers but also parents and the wider community.

“I would feel guilty if we succeed only in providing fast and affordable internet without ensuring it is safe. That is why the Safe Internet 2.0 Campaign will be strengthened,” he said in a special interview with Bernama.

The interview was led by the Editor-in-Chief, Arul Rajoo Durar Raj, together with Acting Deputy Editor-in-Chief of News Services Mohd Shukri Ishak and Executive Editor of Economic Services M. Saraswathi.

Fahmi said the Safe Internet 2.0 Campaign will be rolled out nationwide through a series of tours aimed at raising comprehensive awareness of digital safety, including the role of parents in protecting children from cyberbullying, online fraud and the misuse of digital platforms.

Apart from that, Fahmi said the ministry will also strengthen consumer protection through the operation of the Mobile Integrated Radio and Internet Communication System (MCMC PRIME) and the development of the National Address System (NAS), which supports public services, logistics and the digital economy.

He added that the legacy the MADANI Government seeks to build is a stronger legal framework to protect the people, particularly children and families, from digital threats.

In this regard, Fahmi said 2025 marked several significant milestones, including long-overdue amendments to communications-related laws, notably the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, which came into effect on Feb 7.

He said the amendments enable stricter action against network abuse such as cyberbullying, online fraud, doxing and fake accounts, underscoring the government’s commitment to ensuring the legal framework remains relevant, balanced and capable of addressing emerging challenges in an increasingly complex digital ecosystem.

Fahmi acknowledged that the death of social media influencer A. Rajeswary, also known as Esha, in July 2024 due to cyberbullying was the saddest moment of his tenure, but said the tragedy became a catalyst for systemic change.

“Unfortunately, it took the loss of a life for the system to change. However, we now have the Penal Code (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2024, which includes a specific provision known as the ‘Esha Clause’, as well as the establishment of an anti-bullying tribunal. Victims now have a platform to seek justice,” he said.

He also described the licensing of social media platforms and internet messaging services, which took effect on Jan 1, 2025, as a major policy shift, although he acknowledged that not all platforms have been fully cooperative.

“We see that some platforms agree and comply, while others remain stubborn. However, the government must be firm to ensure the safety of the people,” he said.

Commenting on the delivery of government information, Fahmi, who is also the MADANI Government Spokesperson, stressed that communication among Cabinet ministers and with the public must evolve, in line with the principle of placing matters in their proper context and understanding the impact of policies on all stakeholders.

“There is no point in providing good information if it does not reach the people or cannot be understood by them. We need to understand the target audience, the platforms they use and the most effective way to deliver the message,” he said.

On current communication challenges, Fahmi said several studies have found that the Gen Z and Gen Alpha generations obtain much of their information through platforms such as WhatsApp, TikTok and Facebook, yet still place a high level of trust in news broadcast on television, radio and in newspapers, despite the declining use of traditional media.

“This is a unique situation. They rarely watch television, but when they do watch the news on TV, they believe it. So we need to leverage this trust while at the same time adapting our communication approach to today’s digital reality,” he said.

Reflecting on 2025, Fahmi described the year as a busy and challenging period, particularly due to Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship.

However, he said the country’s success in steering the regional agenda and hosting international events demonstrated Malaysia’s capabilities on the global stage.

“This is a golden opportunity that comes once every 10 years, and 11 years after Timor-Leste’s entry, almost every delegation present expressed admiration for Malaysia’s capabilities as a host,” he said.

Among Fahmi’s proudest achievements is the establishment of the Malaysian Media Council after more than five decades of struggle, and he urged media practitioners to fully seize the opportunity, noting that the journey towards its formation had not been an easy one.

“The successful drafting and amendment of several key laws, including those related to the media and agencies under the ministry, reflects a strong mandate that will continue to be strengthened for the benefit of the people and the industry,” he said.

The Dewan Rakyat passed the Malaysian Media Council (MMC) Bill 2024 on Feb 26, followed by approval by the Dewan Negara on March 19. The bill was subsequently gazetted on June 13 as the Malaysian Media Council Act 2025.

Fahmi also said the Ministry of Communications had released its Three-Year Achievement Book, which summarises the ministry’s integrated efforts to strengthen the nation’s communications and digital ecosystem in line with the MADANI Malaysia agenda.

The publication is anchored on five key thrusts: strengthening infrastructure and network security; enhancing content and broadcasting; empowering the creative industry; fostering the spirit of nationhood; and promoting media literacy among users.

From an infrastructure perspective, Fahmi highlighted the expansion of the internet and 5G coverage under the National Digital Connectivity Plan (JENDELA).

He said initiatives such as the National Information Dissemination Centre (NADI), NADI On Wheels and NADI Smart Services reflect the government’s targeted approach in expanding digital access and creating economic opportunities for rural and low-income communities.

On the direct impact on the people, Fahmi said initiatives such as the Rahmah Basic Contribution (Sumbangan Asas Rahmah – SARA) have had a significant effect, as their benefits are tangible and directly improve the daily lives of the community.

-- BERNAMA