Malaysia is gearing up for a stronger push against cybercrime with a wide range of new measures under the 2026 National Budget.
Authorities are set to introduce a Cyber Crime Bill and commit RM32 million next year.
The Malaysian government hopes that this measure could help to strengthen national security, modernise police capabilities, and build stronger defences against increasingly sophisticated scams.
Rising scam cases and digital exploitation have pushed the government to act. Officials are signalling a more coordinated and technology-driven strategy to keep pace with fast-evolving online threats.
A New Cyber Crime Bill and National Cybersecurity Hub
At the centre of the plan is a comprehensive Cyber Crime Bill that will replace outdated legislation. The new bill aims to give law enforcement the legal strength to respond to complex digital crime more effectively.
National Cyber Security Agency (NACSA) will take the lead in setting up a new Centre for Cryptology and Cyber Security Development.
The agency envisions the centre becoming the national hub that drives stronger digital resilience and more sophisticated cyber defences.
National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) To Be Restructured Under PDRM
To close response gaps, the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) will shift directly under the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM). The restructuring aims to tighten coordination, handle incidents more quickly, and make investigations smoother and more efficient
Authorities are also channelling RM12 million to expand NSRC’s operational capacity under this new structure.
Authorities are also stepping up efforts to safeguard vulnerable groups.
PDRM’s D11 Division, which investigates cases involving women and children, will broaden its focus to address the growing problem of online sexual exploitation of minors.
RM20 Million Boost for Digital Forensics and New Behavioural Science Unit
The government is also allocating an additional RM20 million to upgrade PDRM’s digital forensics systems. With this financial aid, officers can enhance their investigations, collect and analyse evidence more efficiently, and build stronger cases.
Part of the funding will support the creation of a Behavioural Science Unit. Through the new unit, authorities will study criminal behaviour patterns and profile offenders more systematically.
This unit will give law enforcement a sharper edge in anticipating and responding to cybercrime. Officers can achieve this by combining psychological insight with data analysis.
Taken together, these initiatives mark a decisive shift in how Malaysia confronts digital crime.
Stronger legal frameworks, faster coordination between agencies, and smarter use of technology show the country’s intent to take a far more proactive stance in protecting citizens from online threats.
Featured image: Edited by Fintech News Malaysia based on an image by the Malaysian Parliament.
