KUALA LUMPUR, June 16 — The proposed cyber security law is expected to provide for stronger enforcement and monitoring of cyber security matters by plugging existing loopholes and removing duplication in legal provisions, according to an expert.

CyberSecurity Malaysia chief executive officer Datuk Amirudin Abdul Wahab said this would strengthen the cyber security ecosystem in Malaysia in a comprehensive manner to better protect the country’s security, peace and prosperity.

“In this matter, CyberSecurity Malaysia feels that the Cyber Security Bill needs to be formulated to help Malaysia deal with risks and reduce the number of cyber threats and attacks in the country,” he said in a statement to Bernama today.

Yesterday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the National Cyber Security Committee had decided that the bill be formulated quickly to ensure all related legal aspects could be strengthened.

Anwar said the bill would give the National Cyber Security Agency (Nasca) clear powers to regulate and enforce related cyber security laws and improve the effectiveness of its functions.

Amirudin said the drafting of the bill shows the government’s commitment in tackling cyber security problems and threats, and could help in enforcement actions to reduce cyber crimes in the country.

“This bill is not only effective for responsive action against cyber security incidents but also for proactive use like creating awareness among the public and organisations.

“This can enhance the country’s preparedness and resilience against any cyber attacks,” he said.

He said the bill is also expected to help organisations identify cyber security needs and gaps through guidelines and standards which should be adopted and adapted at the global level.

He said to ensure organisations adhere to the regulations set, monitoring and auditing activities especially involving critical national information infrastructure should be incorporated in the proposed law.

“Apart from this, through this bill certification of digital products can also be enforced to ensure the products possess cyber security features which are recognised according to best practices and international guidelines.

“This certification can help to ensure that digital products are safe to be used and not easily compromised,” he added. — Bernama