Malaysia is facing an increasing challenge in addressing cyberthreats as the country’s digital revolution spreads quickly. Even with initiatives like the Malaysia Cyber Security Strategy 2020–2024, cybercrime is still on the rise, with increasingly complex attacks aimed at both people and national infrastructure.
The absence of cybersecurity solutions powered by artificial intelligence (AI) makes it difficult for the Royal Malaysia Police (RMP) to handle this. An AI-assisted cybersecurity mitigation approach is desperately needed to improve the RMP’s capacity to identify, stop, and effectively address contemporary cyberthreats.
Malaysia has seen an alarming increase in cybercrime. Recent data indicates that cybercrime incidents have increased dramatically in Malaysia, with yearly losses amounting to hundreds of millions of Malaysian ringgits. In the first half of 2024 alone, 15,589 cases of internet scams were registered, resulting in RM753 million in losses. The RMP’s conventional law enforcement techniques have not been able to keep up with the increasing sophistication of cyberattacks, which are increasingly supported by artificial intelligence (AI) and other cutting-edge technology, despite continuous efforts to fortify the cybersecurity framework.
The main issue is that RMP lacks AI-driven cybersecurity technologies, which makes it more difficult to successfully counter sophisticated cyberthreats. Real-time threat detection, automated threat responses, and sophisticated digital forensics capabilities are just a few of the many benefits that artificial intelligence (AI) may offer. Nevertheless, the RMP lacks the governance frameworks, infrastructure, and knowledge required to successfully deploy AI-based solutions. To stop cybercrime’s growing effects on Malaysia’s economic and national security, this technology gap must be closed.
Over the past few years, Malaysia’s cybercrime scene has seen a significant change. Malaysia saw a sharp increase in cybercrime incidents between 2018 and 2024, with damages in 2023 alone totalling over RM1.2 billion. The sophistication of cyberattacks, such as ransomware, phishing, and social engineering tactics, is also increasing in tandem with this rise. Threat detection, digital forensics, and incident response gaps have resulted from the RMP’s inability to adequately address these risks due to its dependence on antiquated techniques.
The investigation found that the RMP’s lack of AI integration is a significant weakness. Artificial intelligence (AI) tools like machine learning, predictive analytics, and real-time monitoring are crucial for spotting and thwarting cyberattacks as they develop. In the absence of these technologies, the RMP is reactive and frequently detects cyberthreats only after considerable harm has been done.
The RMP’s lack of qualified cybersecurity specialists is another major problem. For AI tools to function and be interpreted, specific knowledge is needed. However, the RMP does not yet have the qualified staff needed to properly run such systems. In addition to impeding the application of AI, this skills gap restricts the RMP’s capacity to update its cybercrime mitigation initiatives.
Furthermore, there is a lack of development in the governance structure required for the ethical deployment of AI. The RMP must guarantee that the implementation of AI systems overcomes potential biases, preserves openness, and respects data privacy. AI adoption must be accompanied with addressing this governance issue.
Implementing AI tools that offer real-time threat identification and predictive analysis should be the RMP’s top priority. AI systems provide a proactive, as opposed to reactive, approach to cybercrime by continuously monitoring network activity, spotting irregularities, and identifying possible risks before they become serious.
Digital forensics solutions with AI capabilities can greatly increase the speed and precision of investigations. The RMP should spend money on machine learning tools that can analyze vast amounts of digital data, find links between cyberattacks, and help unearth intricate criminal networks.
The RMP must fund specialist training programs with an emphasis on cybersecurity and artificial intelligence in order to close the skills gap. Access to the required training and certifications will be made possible through partnerships with academic institutions and global cybersecurity groups. In order to draw talent to its cybersecurity teams, the RMP should also provide internships and scholarships.
Building a strong governance framework must go hand in hand with implementing AI. This entails establishing guidelines that guarantee the moral application of AI tools, such as accountability, openness in AI decision-making procedures, and data privacy protection. These initiatives could be supervised by the RMP’s AI-Cybersecurity Governance Unit.
A staged approach is advised because of the cost limitations associated with implementing AI. High-impact fields like digital forensics and real-time threat detection should be the main emphasis of the first phase. More sophisticated AI applications, such as automated incident response systems and predictive analytics, may be included at later stages.
Accessing state-of-the-art AI technologies requires cooperation with private sector technology companies. Collaborations with businesses such as IBM, Amazon Web Services, and Microsoft can give the RMP access to cloud infrastructure, AI tools, and technical assistance. These partnerships will guarantee access to the newest advancements and lessen the financial strain associated with implementing AI.
Since cybercrime frequently transcends national boundaries, international collaboration is essential. To exchange intelligence and best practices, the RMP should fortify its relationships with international cybersecurity agencies such as Interpol and Europol. The RMP will be better equipped to handle cross-border cyberthreats by participating in international cybersecurity forums and cooperative operations.
The Royal Malaysia Police’s approach to cybersecurity needs to change strategically in light of the rise in cybercrime in Malaysia. The increasing complexity and sophistication of cyberattacks cannot be adequately addressed by the current reliance on conventional techniques. The RMP has to implement AI-driven solutions that offer automatic reaction capabilities, real-time monitoring, and predictive analysis in order to successfully reduce these dangers.
However, overcoming a few significant obstacles is necessary for the RMP’s cybersecurity efforts to successfully include AI. These include developing human capital via specialist training, putting in place a robust governance structure to guarantee the moral application of AI, and obtaining the required funding through public-private partnerships and phased adoption. Fighting cross-border cyberthreats and exchanging intelligence will also require international collaboration.
By adopting these suggestions, the RMP can protect Malaysia’s digital infrastructure, become a leader in creative law enforcement tactics, and greatly improve its capacity to identify and stop cyberattacks. Adopting AI technology will guarantee a more secure and robust digital future for Malaysia in addition to enhancing the RMP’s operating skills.
The Assistant Commissioner of Police Mohd Fakhrurazie Che Sulaiman, a senior police officer in the Royal Malaysia Police, is presently enrolled in the National Resilience College, PUSPAHANAS’s National Security Course.
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