Malaysia's Anwar says ‘no way' to US$10 million ransom demand to end airport cyberattack
Malaysia 's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said on Tuesday that hackers demanded a US$10 million ransom for a cyberattack that paralysed some operations at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) over the weekend, raising concerns about the airport's cybersecurity and potential risks to travellers' safety.
Advertisement
Anwar confirmed that Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB), which operates the country's airports, had been a victim of a 'heavy' cyberattack, with the unnamed people behind the attack demanding the substantial payment.
'When I was informed about this … I did not wait five seconds. I said no,' he said in a speech on Tuesday.
'There is no way this country will be safe if its leaders and system allow us to bow to ultimatums by criminals and traitors, be it from inside or outside the country.'
Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said he refused to provide a ransom to hackers over a cyberattack at the Kuala Lumpur airport. Photo: Reuters
This announcement marked the first official confirmation by the government that Malaysia's main airport had suffered a cyberattack.
Advertisement
It was not immediately clear if the cyberattack had ended, and the attackers' identities have yet to be revealed.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
RTHK
17 minutes ago
- RTHK
SAR to target markets with 'the best returns': CE
SAR to target markets with 'the best returns': CE The CE says the government will do more to connect with more countries and regions around the world. Photo: RTHK Frank Yung reports Hong Kong should set its sights on markets with "the best returns in the shortest time" as the government connects with more countries and regions around the world, the city's leader has said. Chief Executive John Lee said while many private businesses have started seeking new markets to diversify risks amid the Sino-US tariffs war, there's a need for his administration to do the same. "There are just so many different parts of this world that we can do good business and build relations with. I'll expand my network. I'll not just focus on one or two countries or markets," he said. To generate the best returns for Hong Kong, it should look for potential markets that are mutually attractive, the CE said. He added they must also place emphasis on the country and the SAR. Lee has made several overseas visits, including to Asean countries and the Middle East, to help promote the city. On possible future trips, he said there's room to develop trade with South American countries, and the Central Asia region also has potential. Belt and Road countries are also under the administration's radar, according to the city's leader. He acknowledged the presence of both "supporting forces" and "counter-currents" in the SAR's charm offensive. "[When] the counter-current is against me, if I still want to swim in that direction, I swim double fast, I make double the effort. I'm asking everybody in the government to double the effort, tell Hong Kong's true story," Lee said. The CE added that Hong Kong must work hard to continue attracting investment and professionals from outside the territory. "Investment is something that drives changes, investment is also something that drives talents to come and talents to remain, because investment leads to actual business," he said.
Asia Times
12 hours ago
- Asia Times
American protectionism hands China the future
Subscribe now with a one-month trial for only $1, then enjoy the first year at an exclusive rate of just $99. Deal with China is not yet done Scott Foster analyzes the latest developments in US-China trade talks, highlighting Donald Trump's exaggerated claims of victory despite an unfinished deal. While a tentative framework was reached in London, China appears to have gained leverage. Ukraine in strategic crisis as ceasefire hopes fade James Davis analyzes the intensifying aerial war between Russia and Ukraine, highlighting Ukraine's drone attacks on Russian airfields. Meanwhile, Zelensky is intensifying lobbying in Washington, attempting to politically box in Trump by portraying him as soft on Russia. SPD's peace manifesto signal fracture in German security policy Diego Faßnacht analyzes a growing intra-party revolt within Germany's center-left SPD, where over 100 prominent figures have released a policy manifesto demanding a diplomatic reset with Russia and a sharp turn away from NATO's militarization path.
South China Morning Post
17 hours ago
- South China Morning Post
Malaysians brace for rising costs on goods and homes as new taxes target premium items
The backlash against fresh government taxes, set to take effect next month, intensified on Friday, with Malaysians being warned that they will be forced to pay more for locally made goods and even homes as supply chain costs are passed on to buyers. Advertisement Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim 's administration on Tuesday announced that it would levy taxes of between five and 10 per cent on premium items, such as salmon and silk, as well as high-end services across finance, education healthcare and beauty. The move – intended to address budget deficits – has sparked significant concern among Malaysians, who fear paying higher prices for everything from imported bananas and apples to new homes, as manufacturers pass down costs. Businesses 'may have no choice but to pass these additional burdens on to consumers,' the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM) said in a statement late on Thursday. According to the federation, nearly all imported goods, particularly industrial equipment such as pumps, compressors, boilers, and furnaces, as well as commercial and equipment leasing, will be affected by the tax, which will come into force just before US tariffs are expected to take effect. Malaysians face higher costs for goods and homes due to new government taxes. Photo: Shutterstock Real estate developers have cautioned that homebuyers may incur additional costs, as many new projects are being constructed on commercial land, which falls under the new tax.
