KUALA LUMPUR – The nation must face the harsh reality that the greatest threat today no longer comes from weapons of war or bombs, but from the control of information that undermines cybersecurity.
Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) Commissioner Derek Fernandez said that if someone can control the flow of information influencing people’s minds, it will dictate the decisions they make.
“This includes sparking wars, riots, causing injuries, suicides, or even tricking victims into clicking links that lead to scams.
“Imagine the power of such control… you can understand why the ability to influence thinking is so important to so many,” he said.
Fernandez explained that at first, it may seem harmless as it is used for advertising, sales, social, and technological purposes. But once the target is achieved, with the right “tools,” cybercriminals can manipulate people without them realising it.
Digitalisation, he said, not only enables but also accelerates crime.
“It’s very easy. Why? Because crime today can be carried out without being in the country where the crime occurs. They can do it remotely, anonymously, and hidden from law enforcement.
“That is why the government is re-examining ways to curb such crimes and has realised that we cannot rely solely on technology, even with multiple defense systems in place.
“This technological war is not only costly but also exhausting. However, we can still contain and mitigate the risks,” he said, stressing that it is the government’s duty to protect both citizens and visitors in Malaysia from all threats, including cyber threats.
Fernandez made these remarks while presenting his analysis titled The Regulator’s Role in Supporting Cybersecurity at the Digital Nation Summit Kuala Lumpur (Asean Edition) 2025 today.
His analysis also highlighted the role of Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and their infrastructure, as well as key elements in scam-related crimes.
These elements include scammers hiding their identities, requiring communication access or network facilities, access to financial systems, and most critically, targeted information stolen through malware or ransomware.
The Digital Nation Summit Kuala Lumpur (Asean Edition) 2025, held on 23 and 24 September with the theme Forging Asean’s Digital Future: Technology for Trust and Transformation, focuses on Malaysia’s role in Asean’s digital journey.
The two-day summit, officiated yesterday by Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching, emphasises trust, AI, industry innovation, and cybersecurity shaping the region’s digital future. – September 24, 2025