The first phase of the Special Cyber Court, to try criminal offences under cyber laws, is expected to be operational in the Kuala Lumpur Federal Territory this September.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Azalina Othman Said said the next phase would involve Selangor and Johor because the two states recorded high criminal cyber cases, followed by other states.

"The government thinks it is time for the Special Cyber Court to be established following the trend in cyber attack which is worrying, like hacking, online fraud, botnet (or zombie army), web-defacement, stealing of information, cyber gambling and pornography," Azalina said in a statement today.

At the same time, she said, the government also took into account the views of various interested parties, including non-governmental organisations.

She said a cabinet memorandum on the establishment of the court would be tabled soon.

Azalina said the cabinet and Chief Justice Arifin Zakaria were informed today on the setting up of the court.

She said the establishment of the Special Cyber Court would be similar to the setting up of other special courts, such as the Special Corruption Court, Special Coroner's Court, Special Anti-profiteering Court and Special Environment Court, with special judges to preside over the cases.

"To ensure the Special Cyber Court meets its objective, judges and those involved will be given comprehensive and adequate training," she added.

- Bernama