Malaysia moots Interpol-style Asean Cybercrime Task Force 

PUTRAJAYA, Jan 20 —  Malaysia has called for the creation of an Asean Cybercrime Task Force similar in nature to Interpol to facilitate real-time intelligence exchange and regional cooperation in combating digital threats effectively.

Speaking at the Asia International Security Summit and Expo 2025 here today, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the rapid expansion of the digital economy demands adaptive security frameworks. 

He warned that cybercriminals are exploiting artificial intelligence (AI), automation, and the dark web to launch sophisticated attacks.

“While discussions are valuable, execution is imperative. I urge all stakeholders — governments, law enforcement agencies, and industry leaders — to take concrete action in certain key areas.

“First, we must implement AI-driven predictive policing and real-time urban surveillance to detect and prevent security threats proactively,” he said.

Zahid also called for establishing a national blockchain-based identity verification system, which is crucial to safeguarding online transactions and mitigating identity fraud.

— Bernama