Tanjong Batu rep concerned about rising cases of cybercrime

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Chiew Chiu Sing

BINTULU: Tanjong Batu assemblyman Chiew Chiu Sing, who is the chairman of Democratic Action Party Bintulu, has expressed concerns over the rising cases of cybercrime here.

He called on the government to step up its war on cybercrime apart from intensifying prevention and security measures.

He cited the banking industry as an example, where banks are constantly reminding their customers through emails or online newsletters to be vigilant and to be watchful of fraud and hackers.

“It is also the same as when we encounter streams of anonymous articles or rumours. Education is the way forward for the people to equip themselves and develop a sharp sense of judgement in dealing with these,” he said.

Malaysia being a democratic country, social media is a platform for all in disseminating different news and opinions and not just a mouthpiece of the government, Chiew added.

“This is a healthy development of democracy in the right direction. We should not abuse it,” he said.

With regards to the recent incidences of anonymous postings on social media of rumours, smearing, slanders and others to hurt the reputation of others, Chiew said he empathised with the victims and condemned such acts as irresponsible, cowardly and immoral, and therefore should be ignored and never shared.

“We hope that with the report made to the police and Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission, the victims can get justice, though the procedure is time-consuming as investigation takes time.

“The people hope that cases investigated can be expedited and resolved as soon as possible so that justice is done and the victims are relieved from the unnecessary troubles,” he said.

Though the government can develop a good and comprehensive network security and crime prevention system, doing so would certainly cost a lot of money and there is no foolproof cyber defence system as many advanced countries which have done so still suffer from some cyber attacks, Chiew added.

“Unfortunately, regulations and policies are always behind technology,” he said.

He advised people that whenever they come across any anonymous article or rumours, they should always verify its source and when it was written.

“If there are doubts don’t read it, what more sharing it, as it would be only be a waste of one’s precious time and affect one’s own credibility to share them,” he added.