KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) remain on high alert for potential cyber threats following a recent cyberattack on Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB).

Armed Forces Chief, General Datuk Mohd Nizam Jaffar, stated that the Cyber Defence Operation Centre (CDOC) and Cyber Defence Information Centre (CDIC) are closely monitoring the situation and are prepared to respond to any cyber threats.

“The growing prevalence of cyber threats highlights the urgent need for MAF to establish and equip a dedicated cyber force,” he told the New Straits Times.

Call for a Dedicated Cyber Force

Nizam stressed that cyber warfare is an emerging battlefield, requiring Malaysia’s armed forces to enhance its defensive capabilities.

“Cyber has become another frontier that MAF needs to address. The increasing threats should serve as a clear indication of why we must form our own cyber force,” he said.

He also emphasized that protecting the nation from cyber threats should be a collaborative effort involving multiple agencies.

Ransom Demand and Government Response

Earlier today, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim confirmed that hackers demanded a US$10 million ransom following the cyberattack on MAHB. The incident, which occurred one or two days ago, saw the government refusing to comply with the attackers’ demands.

Cyber Force Feasibility Study Underway

In January, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohammed Khaled Nordin announced that a feasibility and sustainability study was being conducted to assess the formation of a cyber force.

He stated that, depending on the study’s findings, the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) should serve as a platform to push for the establishment of a comprehensive cyber team to tackle evolving cybersecurity challenges.