Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB) was recently targeted by a cyberattack, with hackers demanding a ransom of $10 million. The attack occurred just days prior to the Prime Minister’s remarks on March 25, 2025, during the 218th Police Day celebration. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim confirmed the incident, emphasizing that the attack had taken place in the past few days and that it was a serious matter for the country’s cybersecurity.
In his address, Anwar made it clear that the government had refused to yield to the hackers’ demands. He reiterated that the nation would not bow to criminals or terrorists, whether domestic or foreign. Instead of paying the ransom, the government decided to allocate additional funds to strengthen Malaysia’s cybersecurity infrastructure. Anwar stated that discussions were ongoing to find ways to address the current issue and prevent similar future incidents.
Although Anwar did not provide specific details on the nature of the cyberattack, he expressed concern over the severity of the situation.
He stressed that this incident highlighted the need for significant investment in cybersecurity and law enforcement to defend against such attacks. Anwar acknowledged that rejecting the hackers’ demand was a risky decision, but one that was necessary to ensure the security of the nation and its critical infrastructure.
The Prime Minister emphasized that this cyberattack was a wake-up call, underscoring the importance of investing in the country’s ability to respond to future cyber threats.
The government plans to channel more resources into strengthening agencies such as the police and Bank Negara to safeguard Malaysia’s digital and financial systems. This commitment to bolstering cybersecurity reflects the government’s recognition of the growing threat posed by cybercriminals and the importance of robust defensive measures.
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