Malaysia calls on ASEAN to harness AI to combat escalating digital threats

Malaysia has urged ASEAN to adopt AI as a critical tool in addressing rising cybercrime across the region.

Cybercrime has caused nations of the Southeast Asian bloc financial losses of up to US$37 billion in 2023, according to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution emphasized the urgency of the issue, highlighting the rapid adoption of AI by organized crime groups. 

“This leaves us no choice but to prioritize upskilling our workforce, mastering advanced tools, and developing innovative solutions to counter emerging threats,” he said during an address on Tuesday.

The call comes as scam operations, often linked to criminal networks based in the Mekong region, continue to exploit digital vulnerabilities. Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi proposed creating an Interpol-style Asean Cybercrime Task Force to facilitate real-time intelligence sharing and coordinated action against cybercriminals. 

Malaysia, currently serving as ASEAN chair, has ramped up its focus on AI following investments from tech giants like Microsoft and Nvidia. The government has earmarked 600 million ringgit (US$134 million) for AI research and development in sectors including healthcare, agriculture, and cybersecurity by 2025.

However, experts warn that deploying AI in law enforcement could introduce new challenges. Munira Mustaffa, a security expert at Chasseur Group, cautioned that AI’s lack of “nuance, empathy, and ethical judgment” could undermine accountability and transparency in law enforcement.

Munira also raised concerns about privacy and civil liberties, particularly in a region with uneven digital infrastructure and weak data protection laws. “Predictive policing algorithms risk perpetuating bias and discriminatory practices, further eroding public trust in law enforcement,” she added.

ASEAN’s longstanding principle of non-interference presents additional obstacles to collective action. Hafidzi Razali, CEO of Strategic Counsel, noted that translating regional resolutions into national-level initiatives requires both robust coordination and enforcement mechanisms.

As organized crime syndicates increasingly outpace governments in adopting technology, the UNODC has warned that closing this gap is critical to maintaining regional security.

Share this Post:

Accessibility Toolbar