09/08/2025

SATURDAY | AUG 9, 2025

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Over 2.1 billion scam calls, SMS blocked since 2022 o More than 112,000 fraudulent posts removed and new licensing rules introduced to boost online safety “This will create a safer and more sustainable internet ecosystem for all users, especially children and families,” he said, adding that the measure would ensure “a higher standard of accountability” among service providers operating in Malaysia.

Special needs education priority in Budget 2026 BUKIT MERTAJAM: Empowering educational institutions for students with special needs will be among the Education Ministry priorities under Budget 2026, which is scheduled to be tabled on Oct 10. Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said the government had allocated RM10 million under Budget 2025 to support private autism schools, continuing its commitment to ensuring the group has equal access to education. “For the first time, a special allocation of RM10 million was made under Budget 2025 to support private educational institutions catering to children with autism and special needs. “This reflects the Madani government’s commitment to equitable access to education, not just in terms of financial assistance but also in recognising the efforts of all stakeholders driving inclusive education in the country,” she said after attending a fund presentation ceremony for autism schools at Sekolah Sinar Harapan on Thursday. During the event, 12 autism education institutions from Penang, Selangor, Perak, Kelantan and Johor received allocations and other forms of assistance. Fadhlina said such initiatives would continue to strengthen the education system for children with special needs. She added that the ministry was currently holding engagement sessions on Budget 2026, with special education allocation among the top priorities. “I call on all parties to offer suggestions, proposals and ideas so we can ensure these children are given their rightful place in the education system, particularly in terms of high-level skills suited to their needs,” she said. – Bernama ‘No preconditions for Palestinian statehood’ CYBERJAYA: Malaysia remains firmly committed to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state without any preconditions, said Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan. However, he noted that the New York Declaration had imposed conditions for the creation of such a state. “We want an independent Palestinian state, full stop. Once it is established, whoever governs it is the right of the Palestinian people, and we will not interfere,” he said after attending the 58th Asean Day celebration, officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim yesterday. Mohamad said Malaysia was uneasy with several conditions in the New York Declaration as they were not in line with the country’s foreign policy. “We have always supported an independent Palestine. But we are not comfortable with the New York Declaration and its outcome,” he said. When asked whether Malaysia would formally raise its concerns with the United Nations, Mohamad said there had been no official discussion on the document, only a roundtable meeting. – Bernama

Fahmi said the Safe Internet Campaign, launched on Jan 21, aims to raise awareness on online safety and prevent cybercrime. The campaign will reach 10,000 schools and higher education institutions nationwide. As part of a whole-of government approach to addressing online fraud, the National Scam Response Centre has been set up, led by police. The centre functions as a one-stop action centre and conducts public awareness programmes and national campaigns on fraud and digital crime.

Ű BY MAHADHIR MONIHULDIN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

MCMC has also introduced the Code of Conduct for Internet Messaging and Social Media Service Providers, published in December 2024, outlining guidelines to foster a safer online environment. The ministry’s efforts extend beyond enforcement and also covers public education.

each day the offence continues after conviction. In a significant regulatory shift, internet messaging and social media service providers will be required to obtain an Application Service Provider Class Licence (ASP(C)) under Act 588, effective January this year.

PETALING JAYA: More than 2.1 billion suspicious calls and unsolicited SMS messages have been blocked since 2022 in an ongoing campaign against online scams, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil told Parliament. In a written reply, he said the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), working with telecommunications and social media platforms, had also removed 112,734 postings of fraudulent online content and blocked seven scam related websites to date. “These actions were taken based on public complaints and community guidelines set by each social media platform, in line with local laws,” he said when replying to Datuk Hajah Siti Aminah Aching (BN–Beaufort) on government measures to curb scams and fraud. Fahmi said as of September 2024, stricter controls had been introduced on SMS communications, banning hyperlinks requesting personal details or prompting callbacks. “We aim to protect users from exploitation by criminals who impersonate various entities,” he said. He added that amendments to Section 233(1) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (Act 588) now criminalise the dissemination of false content with fraudulent intent, with penalties of up to RM500,000, two years’ imprisonment, or both, plus an additional fine of RM5,000 for CYBERJAYA: are underway for the 47th Asean Summit in October, with Malaysia working closely with regional counterparts to ensure continuity and progress on key issues. Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said ongoing cooperation with leaders from Thailand, the Philippines and Indonesia aims to maintain a unified and inclusive approach. “We want continuity so the next chair knows what needs to be done and nothing is left disconnected,” he said after attending the 58th Asean Day celebration yesterday. Mohamad also confirmed plans to visit Myanmar on Sept 19 ahead of the summit. “We will continue to follow through on what has been promised, Preparations

Fahmi presenting aid to evacuees at a temporary relief centre, after 14 squatter houses and four shop premises were destroyed in a blaze in Pantai Dalam on Thursday. – BERNAMAPIC

Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newsdesk@thesundaily.com Malaysia ramps up preparations for 47th Asean Summit

He also underlined Asean’s proactive role in managing regional crises, particularly in Myanmar, through principled crisis management and efforts to uphold the credibility of the Five-Point Consensus. “As Asean chair, Malaysia successfully facilitated a ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand in Putrajaya, demonstrating the bloc’s ability to act decisively. Bringing the leaders of Thailand and Cambodia together to agree on a ceasefire shows Asean’s strength and value as a platform, just as our founding fathers envisioned,” he said. Mohamad called for continued unity and commitment, stressing that Asean’s ideals are not passive but require ongoing dedication. “As we move forward, let us embody the spirit of our founders, to speak as one, united in purpose,” he said while wishing all a happy Asean Day.

themed “Towards an Inclusive and Sustainable Asean Future”, was celebrated yesterday. Mohamad reflected on the region’s historic journey and current challenges, noting that the 1960s marked a defining moment when Southeast Asia’s five founding nations – Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand – came together amid global superpower tensions to form Asean as a bold experiment in peace and multilateralism. “Over the past 58 years, Asean has grown into a unique organisation, setting new standards in global governance through diversity and consensus,” he said. Mohamad reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to Asean’s vision of an inclusive and sustainable Southeast Asia as outlined in the Asean Community Vision 2045, which aims to build a resilient and people-centred region over the next two decades.

including extending and expanding the ceasefire,” he said. The visit will also allow him to observe how the new administration is functioning following the lifting of the state of emergency and the establishment of the State Security and Peace Council. “Although the highest authority remains the National Defence and Security Council, I want to observe the situation closely. Myanmar has clearly stated it will hold elections, which is why the national state of emergency was not extended, as required by their constitution,” he said. Mohamad noted that 63 towns remain under local states of emergency enforced by the council and stressed the need for clarity on whether the upcoming elections will be comprehensive. “So, I want to get a clear picture to present to the Asean leadership in October,” he said. The 58th anniversary of Asean,