PM Anwar: Malaysia vulnerable to sophisticated cyber attacks, Home Ministry to hold special meeting today

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during the oral question-and-answer session at the Dewan Rakyat in Parliament, Kuala Lumpur, November 3, 2026. — Bernama pic

By Syed Jaymal Zahiid

First Published: Tuesday, 03 Nov 2026 12:12 PM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 3 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim told the Dewan Rakyat today that Malaysia could be among countries vulnerable to sophisticated cyber attacks, pointing to recent high-profile breaches that have shaken Western nations.

Addressing the House this morning, the Tambun MP said the National Security Council (MKN) and security agencies have been closely monitoring severe digital disruptions abroad, such as portal shutdowns in Europe, critical registry breaches in Denmark, and systemic disruptions in the United States and Japan.

"Do not assume these threats are far removed from us," Anwar said during Prime Minister’s Question Time.

"We are informing the public, which is why the MKN advised yesterday that I make a statement today to remind the Honorable Members and the general public that we must not think this threat is far from us, because what is happening in Europe, America, and Japan has indeed shocked their respective nations."

Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar is scheduled to chair a meeting with all relevant departments this evening, while Bank Negara Malaysia will hold a special session with all financial institutions in the country, Anwar told the House.

Responding to a query from Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee (PN-Beluran) regarding intelligence reports on targeted threats, Anwar suggested Malaysia's rapid ascent as a regional digital hub places it in the crosshairs.

The Anwar administration is betting on the artificial intelligence boom to push the country into high-income status, rolling out billions of ringgit in tax incentives to draw investors.

Among companies that have poured money into Malaysia are tech and chip giants such as Google and Nvidia, which have committed an estimated RM20 billion to build digital infrastructure and data centres.

The prime minister said Malaysia's digital development could rival capabilities found in Europe, and that this had raised Malaysia's profile as a strategic asset and increased its exposure to advanced external digital risks.

Putrajaya is expected to hold a special closed-door national security briefing led by the MKN director-general for all MPs within the next couple of days, pending bipartisan agreement, Anwar told the House.

"I wish to emphasise that on behalf of the government, every single day, all agencies, ministers, and ministries are asked to continue carrying out their duties to ensure effective coordination and that the urban areas under their supervision are fully prepared, especially the security forces," he said.

"Because during that meeting (yesterday), I also received guarantees from the Chief of Defence Force and the Inspector-General of Police."