KUALA LUMPUR, March 27 — The Dewan Rakyat passed the Cyber Security Bill 2024 today, aimed at enhancing Malaysia’s cybersecurity through compliance with specific measures, standards, and processes in managing cybersecurity threats.
Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo said under the bill, there are 11 sectors defined as Critical National Information Infrastructure, including the government sector, banking and finance, transportation, defence and national security, information, communication, and digital.
Also listed are the healthcare services sector, water supply and waste management, energy, agriculture and farming, trade, industry and economy, as well as science, technology, and innovation.
For sectors not designated as Critical National Information Infrastructure, they are not required to report cybersecurity incidents to the Chief Executive of the National Cyber Security Agency (Nacsa), and its chief executive does not have the authority to direct investigations.
“If an entity falls within the definition of this law, it is bound, but if it does not, it is not bound by this law but may be subject to other laws based on the issues we face,” he said.
Gobind was speaking during the wind-up of the debate on the Cyber Security Bill 2024, which was subsequently passed after 20 MPs participated in the debate.
Among other things, the bill also relates to the establishment of the National Cyber Security Committee, the duties and powers of Nacsa’s chief executive, the appointment of heads of critical national information infrastructure sectors, and the designation of critical national information infrastructure entities.
According to data, there are 73 cybersecurity service providers, but this can only be confirmed after the bill comes into force and when the registration and licensing processes begin.
— Bernama
