Latest news with #ShahulHamid
The Star
28-07-2025
- The Star
Cracking down on cybercrime without cracking civil liberties
Shahul Hamid said the framework could help ensure that cases involving fraud, identity theft, or cyberbullying are supported by reliable digital evidence, while also safeguarding civil liberties. PETALING JAYA: Cybercriminals today don't wait—and neither can authorities. With scams and digital crimes striking rapidly, both locally and across borders, enforcement agencies are racing against time. To stay ahead, they need swift access to key digital evidence—such as who messaged whom, when, and how—while ensuring civil liberties are protected. Criminology veteran Datuk Shahul Hamid Abdul Rahim welcomed the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission's (MCMC) Proposed Regulatory Framework, calling it 'timely' and crucial for strengthening digital crime enforcement while safeguarding civil liberties. He emphasised that a clear legal framework brings much-needed certainty to both law enforcement and the public. 'It defines how communication data should be retained, preserved, and accessed during investigations. This is vital for ensuring that cases involving fraud, identity theft, or cyberbullying are supported by reliable digital evidence, while also protecting civil liberties. 'Without it, enforcement efforts risk being legally challenged and public trust may decline,' said Shahul Hamid, who shared his insights with The Star when contacted about MCMC's open consultation for the framework. Shahul Hamid added that the framework's focus on retaining only specific, relevant data—accessed strictly through legal channels—would be a critical asset in tackling complex online threats. 'It allows enforcement agencies to trace digital footprints effectively while minimising the risk of misuse. Clear retention periods and disclosure protocols also enhance operational efficiency.' Balancing national security and individual privacy, he said, hinges on transparency and accountability. 'Judicial oversight, data minimisation, and audit trails must be built into the framework. The public needs assurance that data will only be accessed when necessary and for legitimate purposes.' He also acknowledged the practical challenges, including industry readiness, data security risks, and public concerns over privacy. 'To address this prudently, there must be open dialogue with stakeholders, a phased rollout, and government support for smaller service providers to build compliance capacity.' On the importance of public consultation, Shahul Hamid said it plays a key role in ensuring transparency and legitimacy. 'When dealing with sensitive issues like data privacy, consultation allows the framework to reflect Malaysia's legal, social, and technological realities. It ensures inclusivity and strengthens public confidence.' Encouraging members of the public to take part in the consultation, Shahul Hamid said: 'The draft framework will be made available on MCMC's website. Feedback can typically be submitted via email, online forms, or through consultation sessions. 'To ensure broad participation, MCMC should actively promote the consultation through social media and awareness campaigns.' Fong urged MCMC to organise both virtual and physical forums to engage the public and experts directly. Cybersecurity expert Fong Choong Fook said MCMC's proposed framework is designed to provide just authorities with the right tools, legal clarity, and faster processes to trace digital trails and act before serious harm is done. 'Today's cybercrime is fast, covert, and often originates overseas. Authorities need timely access to digital data to keep pace with increasingly sophisticated threats,' said Fong, managing director of LGMS Bhd—one of Malaysia's leading cybersecurity companies He cautioned that, without a clear legal framework, digital investigations risk entering a grey area. 'In cases such as scams or cyberbullying, a defined framework sets out what can and cannot be done—offering clear guidance to telcos, law enforcement, and the public, while ensuring accountability.' Fong also welcomed MCMC's public consultation as a timely step towards building trust. 'Consultation helps break the ice and build confidence. When people, experts, and companies are invited to give input, the result is usually more balanced and practical.' He added that the government's openness sends a positive signal and could reduce backlash. To go further, he urged MCMC to organise both virtual and physical forums to engage the public and experts directly. Fong also pointed to practical challenges. Smaller telcos may lack the capacity to store and secure large volumes of data, and strong cybersecurity safeguards will be essential. 'The government may need to offer financial or technical support. Securing sensitive data is a significant responsibility.' He acknowledged public concern about potential government overreach. 'Clear, ongoing communication is critical. Even well-intentioned policies can face scepticism if the public doesn't understand their purpose.'
The Sun
01-07-2025
- The Sun
Uphill battle to curb ‘elusive' online gambling menace
PETALING JAYA: Despite over 173,000 pieces of harmful online content – more than half linked to illegal gambling – having being removed since January, experts said Malaysia is fighting an uphill battle against a fast-evolving cybercrime ecosystem. Criminologist Datuk Shahul Hamid Abd Rahim said illegal online gambling continues to thrive because these syndicates are well-organised and operate in separate parts, making them harder to shut down. 'Each syndicate functions like a decentralised enterprise. One group handles website development, another manages payments – often via e-wallets or cryptocurrencies – while others focus on marketing or 'customer service',' he told theSun. The money trail becomes harder to trace as it flows through shell companies, underground financial networks like hawala and hundi and offshore crypto exchanges, he added. 'You're not just looking at gambling. You're looking at laundering, fraud and cybercrime converging under one roof.' A 2022 survey cited by Shahul Hamid found that over 78% of 60 youths interviewed had gambled at least once, predominantly among non-Muslim communities. The trend is now spilling into unlicensed online platforms, particularly during major sports seasons. Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil has recently revealed that 51% of the content flagged and removed involved unauthorised gambling activities, while another 43,000 were linked to scams. Facebook was reported to carry the highest volume of flagged content, with TikTok close behind. Telegram was the least responsive in handling scam-related removals. Shahul Hamid also highlighted the role of virtual private networks (VPNs), which allow users to access foreign gambling sites that cater directly to Malaysian users and accept deposits in ringgit. 'The platforms may be offshore, but the harm is local and growing,' he said. Universiti Malaya cybersecurity expert Prof Dr Nor Badrul Anuar echoed these concerns, noting that illegal gambling websites are adept at evading blocks. 'They change domains, rotate IPs, use encryption, VPNs, proxies – whatever it takes to stay ahead. They're constantly promoting on social media too.' He added that these sites are often gateways to more sinister activities. 'They're not just gambling hubs. They're also conduits for phishing, malware and money laundering.' While Nor Badrul acknowledged the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission's efforts, he described enforcement as a game of 'whack-a-mole'. 'New sites emerge within hours, often hosted in jurisdictions beyond Malaysia's legal reach. This makes takedown efforts slower and less effective,' he said. 'What is more worrying is that the ease of access is feeding a deeper issue – addiction,' he added. 'Gambling addiction is growing, but it's often overlooked in enforcement narratives. We're not just battling crime, we're battling a public health concern.' Both Shahul Hamid and Nor Badrul agreed that while enforcement is crucial, it must be matched by deeper, longer-term reforms. 'There's no silver bullet. We need stronger cross-border cooperation, updated laws, better tech tools and public education. This is not just a policing issue, it's systemic,' said Shahul Hamid.
National Geographic
10-06-2025
- National Geographic
Discover the hip Singapore neighbourhood where ancient history comes to life
The best way to understand Singapore's cosmopolitan evolution is to visit the Telok Ayer neighbourhood, where Chinese and South Indian immigrants first gathered after landing on its shores in the early 19th century. Once a natural bay — Telok Ayer means 'bay water' in Malay — the area expanded as part of a land reclamation effort that started in the 1880s. Over several decades, Telok Ayer was transformed into a sub-district of Chinatown in the Central Area of Singapore. Just south of the Singapore River, Chinese indentured labourers and merchants lived alongside Indian moneychangers and traders in colourful shophouses, and worshipped side-by-side at ornate Buddhist temples and geometric mosques and shrines. Today, the Telok Ayer district is a testament to both the island's storied history and its modern creative scene. From Michelin-rated restaurants and creative bars to traditional hawker centres and colonial-era architecture, Telok Ayer and the adjacent Chinatown offer an array of experiences that are as diverse as the area's population. Here's how to enjoy a day in the district. Start by diving into the heritage of the region's Cantonese and Hakka immigrants at the Fuk Tak Chi Museum, located within the AMOY Hotel by Far East Hospitality. Initially built in 1824 for a Taoist deity named Tua Pek Kong, the Fuk Tak Chi Temple was restored in 1998 as a museum, which now displays artefacts and dioramas depicting scenes of Singaporean life from the 19th and early 20th centuries. While exploring the area, pick up a freshly baked muffin and coffee at the quaint Plain Vanilla Telok Ayer bakery before heading to Telok Ayer Green, a small garden space offering respite from the busy street. Find a bench and relax under the shady foliage, or take a stroll and read from plaques detailing the rich tapestry of the neighbourhood. In Singapore's Chinatown neighbourhood, historic temples and hawker centres sit alongside trendy shops, cafes and bars. Photograph by Prime Images, Getty Images The area around the park is flanked by two of Singapore's national monuments: Nagore Dargah Indian Muslim Heritage Centre and Yu Huang Gong. The former was previously the Nagore Dargah, a dusty rose–hued limestone shrine honouring the Tamil Sufi preacher-saint Shahul Hamid. The building, with its minarets and crescent-and-star motifs, has since been converted into a heritage centre that tells the story of the Indian-Muslim diaspora in Singapore. Meanwhile, Yu Huang Gong is a Taoist temple worshipping the Heavenly Jade Emperor; look out for the ornate dragons adorning its roof. Next to Yu Huang Gong is another national monument worth admiring: Thian Hock Keng Temple, the country's oldest Hokkien temple, featuring detailed wood and stone carvings. This is where visitors prayed to Mazu, the Goddess of the Seas. Along the same street, the light-cream Al-Abrar Mosque, one of the city's oldest mosques, blends in seamlessly with its neighbouring row of shophouses. (With the exception of Nagore Dargah, the mosques and temples are active places of worship, so visitors are encouraged to be mindful and dress modestly.) After a morning of nourishing the spirit, spend the afternoon satisfying the stomach at Amoy Street Food Centre. At this popular two-storey, open-air food court, diners can choose from more than 130 food stalls selling everything from upscale ramen to charcoal-grilled toast with a sweet coconut-pandan jam. Try the Michelin Bib Gourmand-recommended J2 Famous Crispy Curry Puff, a flaky pastry with four flavours of savoury filling to choose from; or Ah Ter Teochew Fish Ball Noodles, which is known for its robust pork bone broth, al dente egg noodles and chewy fish balls. Craving even more variety? Less than a quarter of a mile away is the world-renowned Maxwell Food Centre, made famous by Anthony Bourdain. While there are more than 100 options to choose from here, most people who visit Maxwell will make a beeline for Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice — the gently poached chicken with ginger- and stock-infused rice is the star dish. The colourful Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum features architecture from China's Tang Dynasty and is home to a collection of Buddhist relics. Photograph by PT STOCK, Getty Images To walk off the meal, take a stroll through Ann Siang Hill Park, a green oasis tucked behind a row of pre-colonial shophouses. Visitors can see the last remaining well in Chinatown, along with spice trees like nutmeg and cinnamon, which first drew Europeans to Southeast Asia centuries ago. Continue on to Amoy Street to reach the back wall of Thian Hock Keng Temple, where art aficionados can admire a 130ft-long mural that features vignettes of immigrant life in Singapore — it shows everything from water buffalos pulling carts to street vendors hawking food from baskets. At the nearby Chinatown Street Market, travellers can see more murals by the same local artist, Yip Yew Chong, and shop for budget-friendly souvenirs and snacks. Modern skyscrapers and stylish hotels, including The Clan Hotel Singapore, tower above the historic streets of Chinatown. Photograph by The Clan Hotel Singapore While Telok Ayer is relatively relaxed in the daytime, the streets — especially Club Street and Ann Siang Hill — come alive after dark. The after-work crowd congregates at lively spots like the halal Brazilian steakhouse Picanhas' or one of the many authentic French restaurants in the precinct, such as Merci Marcel, and drink the night away at creative cocktail bars like Brooklyn Bar. For those looking to enjoy dinner with a view, Qīn Restaurant & Bar is a chic restaurant within The Clan Hotel Singapore on Cross Street. Take in views of the glittering cityscape while savouring the artful East-meets-West menu. The hotel also offers guests complimentary tours of the local area's historic and cultural sites, making it an ideal base for those eager to explore Chinatown. There are direct flights available from London to Singapore Changi Airport. Taxis are readily available from the airport and take around 30 minutes to reach Chinatown. Buses and the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system are also practical and inexpensive ways to travel around Singapore. The Clan Hotel Singapore by Far East Hospitality enjoys direct access to the Telok Ayer MRT station (Exit D). The hotel's The Clan Uncovers: The Art of Balance package, available to book until 27 December 2025, offers guests a transformative stay featuring a 45-minute yin yoga session, a mindful tea experience paired with guided meditation and a curated dinner at Qīn Restaurant & Bar. For more information, visit This paid content article was created for The Clan Hotel Singapore. It does not necessarily reflect the views of National Geographic, National Geographic Traveller (UK) or their editorial staffs. To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only).
