KUALA LUMPUR (March 27): Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has directed the National Cyber ​​Security Agency and the National Security Council to work closely with Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB), following a cyberattack on MAHB's digital system.

The prime minister's senior press secretary Tunku Nashrul Abaidah said Anwar had stressed that the government and industry must work hand in hand, so that the ability to protect the country's critical infrastructure from any threats is at a high level.

The incident also showed the need of local capabilities to be at full alert to handle cybersecurity incidents, he said.

"The capacity and competence of local experts must continue to be strengthened, so that dependence on foreign parties in managing the country's critical systems is minimised.

"The readiness of local experts in dealing with any cybersecurity incident will continue to be a priority for the government. This is a guarantee to keep the confidence of people and investors in the country," the secretary added.

Tunku Nashrul said this at the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) daily briefing, which was broadcast live on the Facebook pages of Anwar and the PMO on Thursday.

He also reminded all parties not to spread unverified information, and only refer to official sources for the latest developments regarding the case.

The prime minister previously revealed that MAHB's digital system had been attacked recently, with the hackers demanding a payment of US$10 million (RM44.32 million).

However, Anwar said the government did not bow to the threat, besides stating the need to improve the country's system with additional funds for several agencies, including the Royal Malaysian Police and Bank Negara Malaysia.

Read also:
KLIA computer systems attacked on March 23, operations unaffected — Nacsa
PM reveals attack on MAHB digital system with hackers demanding US$10 mil

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