Back in the 1980s and 1990s, parents used to tell their kids, "Don't talk to strangers." But today, in the digital world, strangers are just a click away.

Children and teenagers now spend a lot of time online, chatting with people they’ve never met. This exposes them to risks like cyberbullying, scams, and online predators.

To tackle this growing issue, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) launched the Online Security Campaign on January 21, aiming to teach Malaysians how to stay safe online.

Why This Matters

Cybersecurity expert Professor Datuk Mohamad Fauzan Noordin from the Malaysian Crime Prevention Foundation (MCPF) believes that this campaign is much needed. He says cybersecurity awareness should start from primary and secondary school so that kids learn how to protect themselves online.

A 2023 study by Meltwater found that Malaysians spend an average of over eight hours a day on the internet—that’s a third of their lives! With so much time spent online, the risks of cyber threats are higher than ever.

"In the past, cybersecurity wasn’t a major concern. But today, it’s essential because we live in a digital world," he said.

Many children don’t realize that posting photos or personal details on social media can make them targets for cybercriminals. They are also more vulnerable to online strangers with bad intentions.

More Awareness, More Protection

Chairman of the Malaysian Cyber Consumer Association (MCCA), Datuk Ahmad Noordin Ismail, agrees that cybersecurity education must start early.

"Despite many awareness campaigns, cybercrime cases remain high. We must keep reminding and educating the public about the dangers of online fraud and technology misuse," he stressed.

CyberSecurity Malaysia CEO Datuk Dr Amiruddin Abdul Wahab also supports the initiative. He says continuous efforts and large-scale campaigns are needed to reduce the risks of cyber threats.

What’s Next?

The Communications Ministry, through MCMC, plans to expand the campaign to more than 10,000 schools and universities nationwide.

Key goals of the campaign include:
✅ No social media accounts for children under 13
✅ Encouraging parental supervision of internet use
✅ Educating people about online scams, cyberbullying, and digital safety

By spreading awareness and promoting safe internet practices, Malaysia hopes to create a more secure online space for everyone.