ONSA key to curb spread of harmful content, online fraud - IGP

THE implementation of the Online Safety Act 2025 (ONSA) is an important step to ensure digital platforms are responsible for curbing the spread of harmful content, said Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail.

According to him, it also aims to close the operating space for cybercrimes and strengthen action against child exploitation, online fraud, identity theft and extremist content.

"Based on the records of the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM), Malaysians suffered losses of RM2.77 billion due to online fraud crimes for the period 2023 to last November.

"In the period from 2021 to last November, cases of online child sexual exploitation also showed an alarming increase with 688 cases, while cases related to child sexual exploitation material (CSAM) recorded 351 cases from 2021 to last October," he said in a statement.

Mohd Khalid said ONSA is in line with the commitment to protect the people and ensure they are safe in the future cyber environment.

He added that PDRM will continue to work closely with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), relevant ministries and digital platform providers through a whole-of-government approach to ensure that actions against cybercrimes are carried out more quickly, systematically and effectively.

"PDRM fully supports the government's announcement regarding the implementation of ONSA, a new legal framework that strengthens user security and increases the responsibility of digital platforms in protecting the people from cyber threats.

"PDRM acknowledges that the threat of online crime is becoming increasingly serious and has a direct impact on the well-being of society," he said.

Following that, he said, PDRM will continue to be committed to strengthening internal preparedness through increased digital monitoring capabilities, improved investigation processes and strengthened strategic information sharing without revealing operational details that could compromise security.

"PDRM is confident that ONSA will strengthen protection for users, enhance the integrity of the country's digital space and ensure the security of future generations in the face of an increasingly complex cyber landscape," he said. – January 1, 2026