Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid says the new Cybercrime Bill will tackle modern threats like AI deepfakes and online fraud, which caused over RM2.9 billion in losses last year.
KUALA LUMPUR: A new Cybercrime Bill is slated for tabling in Parliament this March.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi announced the impending legislation today.
He stated the bill aims to replace the outdated Computer Crimes Act 1997.
The National Cyber Security Agency is currently finalising the draft.
The new law adopts a holistic approach to cover both cyber-enabled and cyber-dependent crimes.
It seeks to address legislative gaps and strengthen enforcement capabilities.
Ahmad Zahid highlighted the urgent need for updated laws due to soaring online fraud.
Total reported losses exceeded RM2.9 billion last year, an 86% increase from 2024.
Losses had already reached RM1.919 billion by September 2025 alone.
He warned this figure was rising rapidly.
He specifically cited the dangerous misuse of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence.
“Deepfakes and the like have caused extremely dangerous harm to all affected victims,” he said.
In the context of hybrid conflict, deepfake technology is a potential catalyst for information warfare.
It can spread misinformation, disinformation and malinformation as psychological operations tools.
The Russia-Ukraine conflict proved deepfakes are key components in information warfare.
Manipulation is used to shape perceptions and influence international support.
To ensure national digital security, NACSA is implementing several follow-up initiatives.
These cover AI technology, sovereign cloud development and post-quantum security.
Initiatives include developing AI Cybersecurity Guidelines based on secure-by-design principles.
Efforts also focus on enhancing cryptographic security with the Malaysian Cryptology Technology and Management Centre.
NACSA and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission are leading sovereign cloud development.
This addresses risks related to foreign jurisdictional reach.
