Malaysias Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has called for the creation of an Interpol-style ASEAN cybercrime task force, to facilitate real-time intelligence exchange and enhance regional cooperation to counter digital threats.Speaking at the Asia International Security Summit and Expo 2025 on Monday, he said the rapid expansion of the digital economy demands adaptive security frameworks, warning that cybercriminals are exploiting artificial intelligence (AI), automation, and the dark web to launch sophisticated attacks.He urged governments, law enforcement agencies and industry leaders to take concrete steps to enhance digital security, including the implementation of AI-driven predictive policing and real-time urban surveillance to detect and prevent security threats proactively.The Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister also called for the strengthening of public-private partnerships, fostering collaboration between governments, corporations, and tech firms to improve cybersecurity and intelligence-sharing capabilities.He revealed that Malaysia has reported over RM1.22 billion in financial losses due to cybercrime over the past year, reflecting the urgent need to enhance its cyber resilience.The Asia International Security Summit and Expo serves as a prelude to the highly anticipated ASEAN Summit scheduled in May 2025.
