Between January and October 2024, Malaysians lost an estimated RM1.22 billion to scams, an amount that dwarfs the RM20 million allocated last year to the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC).
These losses are not mere statistics; they represent shattered livelihoods, broken trust, and the erosion of public faith in Malaysia’s digital economy.
Against this backdrop, Budget 2026’s expanded allocation of RM21.2 billion to the Home Ministry with a focus on strengthening national security, modernising enforcement, and tackling cyber threats marks a pivotal shift.
The inclusion of a new Cybercrime Bill, alongside fresh funding for digital enforcement units, signals that the government finally recognises cybercrime not just as a...