KUALA LUMPUR – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said he has firmly rejected a demand by hackers who attacked Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd’s (MAHB) digital system, seeking a ransom of US$10 million.
Revealing the cyberattack, Anwar stressed that the government would not bow to such threats and underscored the urgency of strengthening national cybersecurity with additional funding for key agencies, including the police and Bank Negara Malaysia.
“Yesterday, we discussed cyberattacks and hacking, and the situation with MAHB is quite severe. Discussions are ongoing on how to resolve the issue, including the demand from hackers for US$10 million or so – as I was told.
“I did not wait five seconds. I immediately responded: ‘no’. This country will never be safe if its leadership and system allow us to submit to the ultimatum of criminals and betrayal,” he said at the 218th Police Day celebration at the Police Training Centre here.
However, the prime minister did not disclose further details on the cyberattack.
In conjunction with Police Day, Anwar urged the police to enhance their capabilities and take a firmer stance against corruption, governance failures, and any form of intimidation.
“I am confident that when it comes to combating corruption and governance, if enforcement agencies such as the police and others take a firm and strict approach for the next one or two years – without any compromise, regardless of rank and influence, and take the harshest action – I believe the political climate and national environment will improve significantly,” he said.
Also present at the event were Home Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail and his deputy Datuk Seri Shamsul Anuar Nasarah, as well as Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil.
Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain, and Deputy Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay were also in attendance. – March 25, 2025