NSRC's 24-hour upgrade will boost cybercrime response

New Straits Times

28-06-2025

KUALA LUMPUR: The government's move to expand the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) into a 24-hour cybercrime response hub is a critical step in combating the country's growing digital threat landscape.
Malaysia Crime Prevention Foundation (MCPF) senior vice-chairman Datuk Seri Ayub Yaakob said the decision is "timely and bold" as cybercrime today is no longer confined to online scams, but also includes threats such as identity theft, hacking, ransomware, fake investment schemes, and cyberbullying.
"The expansion of the NSRC's mandate reflects a serious commitment to tackling these challenges head-on.
"It's a step in the right direction – one that the public, law enforcement, and the private sector have long awaited," he told the New Straits Times.
Ayub said one of the most significant improvements resulting from the move is better coordination among enforcement agencies.
In the past, he said, scattered reporting mechanisms and siloed agency responses often delayed investigations and recovery efforts.
"Now, with a 24-hour integrated network, agencies can act swiftly and share critical data in real time.
"This kind of agility is exactly what's needed in cybercrime cases, where even a few hours can mean the difference between dismantling a syndicate or losing millions."
He said the upgraded NSRC could play a vital role in reducing public losses and restoring trust in the system.
"People need to know that when they report a cybercrime, action will be taken immediately.
"This encourages victims to come forward without delay."
However, he said infrastructure and inter-agency collaboration alone would not guarantee success, emphasising the need for greater public awareness and transparency.
He urged the government to embark on an aggressive nationwide publicity campaign, leveraging both traditional and social media platforms.
"It must be aired, viralled, and shared across all platforms – from television to TikTok – to reach every layer of society.
"We must actively call for the public to take part, report incidents, and trust the system. Their involvement is not optional – it's essential."
Ayub said MCPF, which works closely with the Home Ministry and police, would continue supporting government efforts through community outreach, education programmes, and collaboration with financial institutions.
He also called for regular updates to cyber laws and closer cooperation with international enforcement agencies, as many scam syndicates operate across borders.
"The digital world moves fast, and our legal frameworks must keep up. We also need international partnerships to trace and dismantle these syndicates beyond our borders."
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim yesterday announced that the NSRC would operate around the clock and broaden its scope to address various types of cybercrime, with the involvement of key agencies including the police, Bank Negara Malaysia, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), and the National Anti-Financial Crime Centre (NFCC).