Malaysia Information Technology Plans to Enhance Cybersecurity Laws

The Government of Malaysia is working towards setting up a national Cybersecurity Commission and amending laws on protecting personal data to counter scammers. That initiative will involve identifying the appropriate cybersecurity technology and partners. That development will open opportunities for U.S. cybersecurity companies to export their products and services to Malaysia and the ASEAN region. 

There is an urgent call in Malaysia for more robust cybersecurity laws, which would allow the National Cybersecurity Agency (NASCA) of the National Security Council to have clear powers to monitor and enforce laws on cybersecurity. One of the most significant weaknesses in the jurisdiction for cybersecurity incidents in Malaysia is that organizations are not legally required to report any data breaches or cyber incidents they face. The issue has been highlighted numerous times at conferences in the country, with cybersecurity vendors and organizations highlighting this as a critical concern regarding cybersecurity.

To learn about opportunities in this sector, contact Commercial Specialist Kisok Arumagam at offiice.kualalumpur@trade.gov.